Does teething cause fever in babies?

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 Ah, the joys of parenthood, where every little thing becomes a cosmic mystery! Here's the deal on teething and fever:

• Teething Symptoms : Teething can indeed bring about a host of symptoms in babies. These include drooling, irritability, chewing on objects, and yes, sometimes a slight increase in temperature.
• Fever vs. Slight Temperature Increase :
  
  
  • Fever : Typically, a fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
  • Teething : While teething might cause a baby's temperature to rise a bit, it's usually not to the level of what we'd call a fever. You might see a slight increase, but if your baby's temperature is genuinely high, there might be another cause.
• What the Experts Say :
  
  
  • Medical Opinion : Most pediatricians and health experts agree that teething does not cause a fever. If your baby has a fever, it's more likely due to an infection or another illness, not just teething.
  • Common Misconception : There's a common belief among parents that teething causes fever, but this might be due to coincidental timing rather than causation. Babies are prone to infections because, well, they're babies, and they love putting everything in their mouths.
• When to Worry :
  
  
  • If your baby has a fever along with other symptoms like diarrhea, rash, or if they're unusually lethargic, it's time to call the doctor. These could be signs of something more serious than just teething.
• A Bit of Humor : Imagine explaining to your baby, "Look, just because you're growing teeth doesn't mean you can start a fever party. Save that for when you're old enough to understand the concept of 'playing hooky' from daycare!"

Conclusion :

So, while teething might make your baby's temperature rise slightly, if they're running a true fever, it's probably not just the teeth coming in. It's always better to err on the side of caution and check with a pediatrician, especially if other symptoms are present. Remember, in the grand scheme of the universe, a baby's first fever might seem like a small thing, but to a parent, it's as significant as a supernova!