Teething and Temp

There are never clear-cut answers. I am a nurse..(not a pediatric) but one of the things I have learned in my career is that each human is truly unique and while there are generalities on how we respond to different illnesses, humans can respond very differently than what it the norm for most. My baby had teething with a temperature over 103. He was normal in every other way - giggly, fun, happy...with a temperature over 103. It was nothing but teething. If it lasts more than 2 days or does not come down with Tylenol or Motrin, definitely see your doctor. Febrile seizures are not uncommon so keep the temps under control.

Hi S., Just a couple of things....

I took my daughter to the Dr. 2 weeks ago with a temperature of 103.5. She had no other symptoms, just the high temperature. Our pediatrician said that a high fever with no other symptoms could point to a urinary tract infection or bladder infection. So, they took a urine sample and ran tests.

I also talked to him about teething and fevers. He said that he once had a little patient that would come in with fevers over 103. They ran every test possible and nothing. The only thing that was ever going on was teething. So, some beleve that fevers could = teething and others don't.

The sympotoms that you are describing could be related or they might not be...they could be signs of something or they might not be. I am not in the medical field, so I cannot be sure of anything except this....You are the mommy - if you still have concerns call the Dr. back. Having a new baby at home is hard enough, your pediatrician should gladly answer your questions and help to ease your concerns about your precious little one.

Good Luck and remember this too shall pass.

Jessica

My doctor has told me that a low fever is possible with teething, like below 100, but a fever of 102 would not be due to teething according to him. Plus if he is spitting up his food, that does not happen from teething. Did your doctor tell you it was from teething? I am not a doctor so don't listen to me over your doctor, but I would think some sort of virus was causing the fever and vomiting. Is he congested too? Keep an eye on him and if it doesn't get better, take hime back to the doctor just to make sure.

Hope it all goes well!
L.

Hi, Getting a temp with teething is a myth...It may be an ear infection...My dr says you don't get temps with teething..spitting up alot could be acid reflux, it hurts their tummy and throat..I only know all of this from experience..I wish you luck

S.,

Did your doctor check for ear infection? My daughter's physician tells us that teething should not cause fever especially not 102. Is he having any other symptoms ie reduction in appetite, diarrhea, fussiness, difficulty sleeping through the night? I would contact the doctor again and talk about other reasons for a temp of 102.

H. S.

Yes that can be normal for teething BUT my son always got a fever and spit up a lot when he had ear infections. I would maybe call your doctor and make sure its nothing eles just to be safe.

Yep that's normal -- though i've heard doctors say that the temp isn't related to the teething, too many moms agree that it's no coincidence. I've got a great doctor, he assured me that a temp of 102, while it makes them uncomfy, isn't a danger -- not uncommon for toddlers to have temps up to that, but anything close to 103 is getting in the red zone and is prob some other cause than teething. W/ my two, the fever only lasts a day or so, but the drool lasts for weeks! :) Have fun!

I too have had the doctor tell me no, but each time Baby has cut new teeth, she's had a fever, along with runny nose, and sometimes diaper rash. Some of the research I've done says that it is just in the timing - that an ear infection, etc., can happen coincidently at the same time, that causes the fever.

The only thing I can say about temps over 102 is that they can have febrile seizures when temps spike, so watch that thermometer very closely. My 3 year old granddaugther had a seizure at about 20 months, and I guess having one means that they are susceptible to more.

Every single time our son cut a tooth, he got a fever (and diaper rash most of the time). His fevers were around 102. Some doctor's will say that teeth do not = fever. In my experience, it does. We just accepted it.

My doctor's office doesn't want to see a child for just a fever, unless it goes for a certain period of time. It's the natural way to fight off infection and unless there are other symptoms...they prefer to wait it out for a little bit.

Since you were just at the doctor and they weren't worried, I wouldn't be either. All the excess drool could cause some spitup. If you find that he's not keeping anything down or gets worse, then call the doctor and have him seen again.