Teething typically begins between 6 to 8 months and continues periodically until about age 2 1/2. Some eager babies may show signs of teething within the first few weeks of life, according to KidsHealth.org, a website published by the Nemours Foundation. Teething typically does not cause fever. Problems related to teething are confined to the mouth and gums and don't affect other areas of the body.
Considerations
Crankiness, swollen gums, drooling and low-grade fever are possible signs of teething, according to MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. However, Mayo Clinic and University of Maryland Medical Center both state unequivocally that fever is not a symptom of incoming baby teeth. Look for other signs of illness if your teething infant has a temperature higher than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Treatment
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help ease discomfort cause by pressure the incoming teeth place on the periodontal membrane or mouth tissue. Numbing medications that can be massaged onto a baby's gums are not recommended because they can be washed away almost instantly by saliva and may numb your baby's throat if used too liberally, which disrupts the gag reflex, cautions Mayo Clinic. Offering a firm, rubber teething ring or rubbing the gums with a cool washcloth may provide some relief.
Precautions
Teething can be a painful process, but if your infant seems very out of sorts and/or develops diarrhea, check with your health care provider. While irritated gums can cause a slight spike in your baby's temperature, a high fever is most likely not due to teething and may require medical attention.
Outlook
The onset of teething is a sign that it's time to think about your child's future dental care.
A child's first dental exam should take place once the first tooth appears and no later than 12 months old, advises the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Beginning professional dental care at a young age may catch tooth decay early when it can be easily treated.
