Does teething cause fever in babies?

Teething may cause a very slight rise in temperature, but a true fever (above 38°C) is not a normal teething symptom. If your baby has a fever, it is more likely to indicate an infection or illness unrelated to teething. Always consult your GP or call 111 if your baby has a temperature above 38°C.

How can I tell if my baby is teething or ill?

Teething symptoms are generally mild and localised to the mouth: swollen gums, increased drooling, chewing, and short periods of fussiness. If your baby has a high fever, rash, vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, or seems unusually lethargic, these are more likely signs of illness and should be checked by a doctor.

Do teething symptoms come and go?

Yes. Teething discomfort typically arrives in short waves, building for a few days before a tooth breaks through and then easing. Symptoms are not constant. If your baby's discomfort is persistent and does not follow this pattern of coming and going, it may be worth checking with your GP to rule out other causes.

Is it teething or something else?

Q: Can teething cause diarrhoea?

There is no clinical evidence that teething directly causes diarrhoea. The timing often coincides because babies begin teething around the same age they start putting objects in their mouths and being introduced to solid foods. Persistent diarrhoea should be discussed with your GP rather than attributed to teething.

December 9, 2025

By Dr Jack Brazel BChD · Reviewed by Dr John Krezel, Specialist Prosthodontist

Is it teething or something else? Reassuring guidance from one of our MamaSmiles dentists who sees this every day

Teething puts babies through discomfort, but it often puts parents through even more. When you’re running on broken sleep, every cry sounds the same and every symptom feels like a warning sign. It becomes hard to know if your little one is simply teething or starting to get unwell - and that uncertainty can be exhausting in itself.

I’m Jack, one of the practising dentists behind MamaSmiles, and I see this confusion every week in clinic. My goal here is to give you calm, clear guidance so you can tell the difference and feel more confident about what your baby needs.

Worried it might be teething?

See our dentist-formulated teething gel for gentle gum support, made without numbing agents.

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What teething actually is

Teething is simply teeth pushing up through the gums. That pressure makes gums sore, slightly swollen, and sometimes red. Some babies barely notice it. Others feel every stage.

Most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months, but it can happen earlier or later and still be normal.

Between us at MamaSmiles, we’ve seen hundreds of teething babies, and the same patterns come up again and again.

Normal teething signs we see every day

Sore or swollen gums
Gums may look puffy or red where a tooth is erupting.

Chewing everything in sight
Hands, toys, clothes. Chewing temporarily eases pressure on the gums.

Extra drooling
Some babies soak through bibs several times a day.

A flushed cheek
Often pinker on the side where a tooth is emerging.

Fussy moments
Crying or clinginess that comes and goes quickly.

Small changes in sleep or feeding
A few unsettled nights or fussier feeds due to gum tenderness.

If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing sounds like normal teething, our guide on normal teething symptoms and what you can expect can help you feel more confident.

What is not teething

Teething does not cause:

High fever (38°C or above)
Repeated vomiting
Persistent or watery diarrhoea
A widespread or unusual rash
Difficulty waking
Breathing changes
A baby who seems “not right” in a big way
Symptoms that drag on for many days with no tooth appearing

These symptoms point towards illness, not teething. You are never overreacting by checking.

Quick FAQ

Can teething cause fever?
No. Mild warmth can happen, but a high fever is not caused by teething.

Can teething cause diarrhoea?
There’s no good evidence for this. Treat diarrhoea as illness.

How long does teething discomfort last?
Usually a few days around each tooth.

When to get medical advice

Call your GP, NHS 111, or your health visitor if:

Your baby has a temperature of 38°C or higher
They are unusually sleepy or hard to wake
Vomiting or diarrhoea appear alongside other symptoms
Their breathing looks different
Something feels wrong and you cannot explain why

Parents often notice early warning signs before anyone else. Trust that instinct.

When to see a dentist

Dentists play a bigger role in the early months than many parents realise.

We always encourage parents to:

Bring their baby along to their own check-ups
Let us take a quick look if you have any concerns
Aim for a first proper visit around age one

Starting early helps babies get used to the dental environment, which usually leads to better experiences and better oral health as they grow.

Supporting parents in these early stages is a core part of what we built MamaSmiles to do.

Safe, simple ways to soothe a teething baby

Gentle gum massage
Use a clean finger and light circular pressure.

A cool teething ring
Chilled in the fridge, not the freezer. Coolness calms irritated gums.

Evidence-led teething products
Look for transparent ingredient choices and simple explanations. Avoid products with unrealistic claims.

MamaSmiles products are designed by practising dentists to soothe gums, keep mouths clean, and support early teeth without numbing agents.

Looking for a gentle teething option?

MamaSmiles Teething Gel was developed by practising dentists to soothe gums gently, without numbing agents.

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Quick summary

Teething usually causes sore gums, drooling, chewing, fussiness, and mild sleep changes.
It does not cause high fever, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or major illness.
Seek medical advice if symptoms seem worrying.
Bring your baby with you to dental check-ups so they become familiar early.
Gum massage, cool rings, and evidence-led products help most babies feel more comfortable.

You know your baby best. Our job at MamaSmiles is to give you calm, evidence-based guidance that helps you feel confident - whatever stage your baby is at.

Dr Jack
Dentist and Co-Founder, MamaSmiles

Try Teething Gel | Berry Flavour

Naturally soothes gums
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Dentist-developed formula
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About the Authors

Dr Jack Brazel and Dr John Krezel, Co-Founders of MamaSmiles

Dr Jack Brazel BChD Dr John Krezel BChD, MSc, DClinDent, MPros RCSEd, MFDS RCSEd

Co-Founders, MamaSmiles

Jack and John are award-winning dentists with clinical experience across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. John is a Specialist Prosthodontist registered with the GDC and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. They co-founded MamaSmiles out of a shared belief that families deserve oral care products held to the same standard as clinical recommendations.

Our story Jack on LinkedIn

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have specific concerns about your child's oral health or your own during pregnancy, please speak to your dentist, GP, midwife, or pharmacist.