Teething in Babies
Quick Answer: Is Teething Fever Normal?
YES, mild fever during teething is normal - but it should not exceed 100.4°F (38°C). Teething (daant nikalna) typically causes low-grade fever (halka bukhar), irritability, and drooling. If your baby has tez bukhar (high fever above 101°F), it is likely NOT from teething alone - consult a doctor.
Reassurance: Most babies handle teething well with simple home care. The discomfort usually lasts 3-5 days per tooth.
Temperature Guide: What’s Normal During Teething?
| Temperature | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Below 99°F (37.2°C) | Normal | No medication needed |
| 99-100.4°F (37.2-38°C) | Mild teething fever | Home care, monitor |
| 100.4-102°F (38-38.9°C) | Fever - may not be teething | Give Calpol, consult doctor |
| Above 102°F (38.9°C) | Tez bukhar - NOT teething | Rush to doctor |
Important: True teething fever is always MILD. High fever means something else is going on.
Teething Timeline by Age
| Age | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 4-7 months | Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) |
| 8-12 months | Upper central incisors (top front teeth) |
| 9-13 months | Upper lateral incisors |
| 10-16 months | Lower lateral incisors |
| 13-19 months | First molars |
| 16-23 months | Canines (fangs) |
| 23-33 months | Second molars |
Symptoms to Watch For
Normal teething signs:
-
Swollen, red gums where tooth is erupting
-
Excessive drooling (laar bahna)
-
Chewing/biting on everything
-
Irritability and fussiness (chidchidapan)
-
Mild fever below 100.4°F
-
Disturbed sleep
-
Reduced appetite
-
Pulling at ears (referred pain)
-
Drool rash around mouth/chin NOT caused by teething:
-
High fever (tez bukhar) above 101°F
-
Diarrhea or loose motions
-
Vomiting
-
Severe rash on body
-
Runny nose with colored mucus
Home Remedies for Teething Relief
1. Gum Massage
Wash your hands thoroughly and gently rub your baby’s gums with a clean finger for 2-3 minutes. The pressure provides relief.
2. Cold Teething Toys
- Refrigerate (not freeze) silicone teethers
- Brands available in India: Chicco, Mee Mee, Pigeon, Fisher-Price
- Never freeze solid - can damage gums
3. Cold Washcloth
Wet a clean muslin cloth, wring it, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Let baby chew on it.
4. Chilled Foods (6+ months)
- Cold banana slices
- Refrigerated cucumber sticks
- Chilled apple slices in a mesh feeder
- Cold dahi/yogurt
5. Distraction
Keep baby engaged with toys, songs, and cuddles. Sometimes the best medicine is mama’s attention!
Fever Medicine Dosage Chart (Paracetamol/Calpol)
CRITICAL: Only give fever medicine if temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C)
| Baby’s Weight | Calpol Drops (100mg/ml) | Calpol Syrup (120mg/5ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 kg | 0.3-0.4 ml | - |
| 4-5 kg | 0.4-0.5 ml | - |
| 5-6 kg | 0.5-0.6 ml | 2.5 ml |
| 6-8 kg | 0.6-0.8 ml | 3-4 ml |
| 8-10 kg | 0.8-1 ml | 4-5 ml |
| 10-12 kg | 1-1.2 ml | 5-6 ml |
Dosage: 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours. Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Available brands: Calpol, Crocin Drops, Dolo Drops, Pyrigesic
Never give:
- Aspirin to children
- Oral gels with benzocaine (harmful)
- Homeopathic teething tablets without doctor advice
When to Rush to Doctor (Red Flags)
Seek IMMEDIATE medical care if:
-
Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) in any baby
-
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in baby under 3 months
-
Fever lasting more than 3 days
-
Baby refusing to feed for more than 8 hours
-
Signs of dehydration (no wet diapers for 6+ hours, sunken fontanelle)
-
Excessive crying that cannot be consoled
-
Rash on body (not just drool rash)
-
Difficulty breathing
-
Blood in stool or gums Schedule an appointment if:
-
Teething symptoms lasting more than 7 days
-
Baby not gaining weight
-
Teeth appearing discolored or damaged
-
Delayed teething (no teeth by 12 months)
What NOT to Do During Teething
- Don’t give honey to babies under 1 year (botulism risk)
- Don’t use teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine
- Don’t freeze teethers solid
- Don’t tie teething toys around baby’s neck (choking hazard)
- Don’t ignore high fever thinking it’s “just teething”
- Don’t give ibuprofen (Brufen) to babies under 6 months
Expert Insight: As our doctors say, ‘Focus on how your child looks and acts, not just the number on the thermometer.‘
FAQs
Q: Baby has 102°F fever - is it teething?
A: No. Teething does NOT cause fever above 100.4°F. A temperature of 102°F indicates an infection or illness. Please give Calpol (dose based on weight) and consult a pediatrician. Don’t delay thinking it’s just daant nikalna.
Q: How much Calpol for my 5-month-old baby with teething fever?
A: For a typical 5-month-old (6-7 kg), give Calpol Drops 0.6 ml OR Calpol Syrup 2.5-3 ml. Only give if fever is above 100.4°F. Can repeat every 4-6 hours if needed, maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Q: My baby has loose motions during teething. Is this normal?
A: Diarrhea is NOT a direct symptom of teething. However, babies put everything in their mouth during teething, which can cause stomach infections. If loose motions continue for more than 24 hours or baby seems dehydrated, consult your doctor.
Q: Is it safe to give Meftal-P for teething pain?
A: Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) should only be given on doctor’s prescription. For teething, paracetamol (Calpol) is the safer first choice. Meftal-P can be used for older children with doctor guidance.
Q: Baby is drooling a lot but no fever - should I worry?
A: Excessive drooling without fever is completely normal during teething. Just keep the chin area dry to prevent rash. Use soft cotton bibs and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the mouth if rash develops.
Q: At what age do babies start teething?
A: Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months, but some may start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. All timelines are normal. If no teeth by 12 months, consult a pediatric dentist.
This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
Need personalized guidance? Book a consultation with our pediatricians or explore our Care Plans for 24/7 expert support!