Your baby will acquire 20 primary teeth by the time he reaches his third birthday. Most babies begin the process between 4 and 7 months of age, but teething may begin as early as three months. A low-grade fever may occur while your baby is teething. However, if your baby has a high fever, there is most likely another underlying cause.
Symptoms
Teething may cause excessive drooling, fussiness and increased night waking. You may be able to see bulging gums at the site where the tooth is emerging. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear. You may notice your baby chewing more on his fingers or toys. Watch your child for warning signs of a more serious problem. Contact your doctor right away if you notice lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, seizures, lack of appetite, high-pitched crying, swelling, rash or trouble breathing.
When to Call the Doctor
Measuring your infant's temperature with a rectal thermometer will provide the most accurate reading. American pediatrician Dr. William Sears, M.D., notes that teething usually produces a low-grade fever of less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. In a young infant under the age of three months, call your pediatrician anytime your baby's rectal temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For babies age 3 through 6 months, contact your doctor if the baby has a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If your baby is 6 months of age, call your pediatrician if the baby's temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. For lower fevers in a baby 6 months or older, you should contact the doctor if the fever lasts longer than 2 days.
Medication
For babies over the age of 6 months, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the discomfort of teething. Follow the dosing instructions carefully and call your child's pediatrician if you are unsure of the appropriate dose. Do not give any medication to infants under 2 months of age without consulting your doctor first. Dr. Sears recommends holding off on over-the-counter teething gels, except as a last resort. These gel products contain medication that numbs the gums and provides temporary relief. However, he notes that it is easy to use too much gel, causing the baby's tongue and lips to become numb.
Other Treatments
You can help your baby cope with teething by offering him something cool to chew on. There are a variety of teething toys made just for this purpose. You can also try freezing a wet washcloth or offering a cold spoon. A frozen banana or a Popsicle made from pureed baby food are tasty treats that may also soothe your baby's gums. Do not tie teething rings around a child's neck as they may become a choking hazard.
