Can you tell me if teething can cause a fever? I have an 8-month old boy who keeps getting low grade fevers. I take him in to see the pediatrician and they insist nothing is wrong with him. A neighbor, who already has two children told me that it is probably just teething and to slit his gums. His lower gums are swollen, but the idea of slitting them horrifies me. Can you tell me if this is the right advice and whether or not the fevers can be from teething? I’m sure he’s too young for a dentist. My dentist said he doesn’t see children until they are 7 years old, so I’m guessing he’s just too young to be seen and I have zero idea what I’m doing.
Amanda
Dear Amanda,
Let’s start with the no-brainer. I can tell you’ve already sensed that slitting your son’s gums is not the right course of action. I’m guessing this is an old wives tale that has been passed down to this woman from older relatives. There is a dental reason to not do this. Your child’s body is designed beautifully, including how teeth erupt.
As your son’s teeth roots grow, that puts pressure on the gums. If you try to short cut that process, then you risk the root not completely developing, which will weaken the child’s tooth. Give the process time to work.
The swollen gums are a sign that his baby teeth are indeed coming close to breaking through. It is entirely normal for some children to develop a mild fever when they are teething. Anything above mild, then I would insist your pediatrician take another look.
There are other symptoms of teething that will help:
- Fussiness
- Drooling
- Pulling at their ears (less common)
- Inability to sleep well
- Decrease in appetite
I would just give him some children’s Tylenol to help with the discomfort.
When Should Your Child See the Dentist
As for your dentist’s declaration that children don’t need to see a dentist until they are around seven years old, that is not correct. That is more a sign that your dentist does not enjoy treating children. The latest I would recommend starting them seeing a pediatric dentist is three years old. Ideally, you want them starting when their teeth first erupt.
Too many parents wait until their children have a problem with their teeth, thinking they are saving money. This ends up costing them more money because they usually don’t go until there is a dental emergency which is a lot more invasive and expensive. Plus, it has the added problem of your child’s first experience with the dentist being one that it frightening and painful, instead of fun and something to look forward to. Otten, this leads to a lifetime of dental anxiety.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville, IL Dentist Dr. David Potts.