Do Kids Usually Get Sick With Teething?

Teething is a natural occurrence, not an illness. Babies get some unpleasant, even painful, symptoms while teething, but sickness is not a normal part of the process. You should know the common signs and effects of teething so you can tell the difference between harmless symptoms and indicators of an unrelated illness that needs medical attention. Consult your child's pediatrician if you have questions or concerns.

Normal Symptoms

Normal teething symptoms include crankiness, swollen gums, excessive drooling and a desire to chew toys and other objects. The discomfort associated with tooth eruption makes some babies lose their appetite and causes sleeplessness, but these effects are temporary and do not indicate sickness. The youngster will start eating and sleeping again once the tooth comes in and the pain subsides. Small cysts are also normal, according to the American Dental Association. Kids sometimes get a little watery sac right above the area where the tooth will come in. The sac ruptures and heals when the tooth pokes up through the gum.

Abnormal Symptoms

Symptoms like fever and diarrhea are sometimes believed to be caused by teething, but MayoClinic.com advises, they have nothing to do with a baby's teeth coming in. Normal teething symptoms are limited to the gums and mouth and do not affect other parts of a kid's body. Monitor any baby with loose stools and fever, whether or not the youngster is going through teething, because these signs are likely linked to another sickness. Take the baby to the doctor if the problems persist or worsen.

Treatment

Kids need treatment during teething to relieve the discomfort, even though they are not actually sick. The gums get very sore, and babies get fussy, irritable and cannot get proper rest because of the pain. Rub an affected baby's gum firmly but gently with your finger, MayoClinic.com recommends, because the pressure often eases the pain. You can also use a clean washrag or small piece of gauze for the rubbing. Give the baby a chilled teething ring or washcloth for chewing, or offer something cold and soothing to eat, like yogurt. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, with doctor's approval, if other methods do not help.

Time Frame

Teething is a temporary process that usually starts by the time a baby is 6 months old and finishes by her third birthday. Kids get a primary set of 20 teeth, which are later replaced by 32 permanent teeth. The permanent set starts erupting around age 6 or 7 and does not cause illness or severe symptoms.