Teething has been attributed to many different maladies for many centuries. Hippocrates, in the 4th century B.C., stated that “teething infants suffer from itching of the gums, fever, convulsions, diarrhea, especially when they cut their eye teeth.” In the 16th century, Dr. Ambroise Pare, who served as a surgeon for several kings of France, even attributed death to teething difficulties.
New research in the journal Pediatrics (published February 18, 2016) found that while teething may make your child cranky and miserable, it rarely will cause a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celcius). During teething, your child may experience excessive drooling, soreness/pain of the gums, rash around the mouth (due to drooling), urge to chew/bite, gum-rubbing, and irritability, among other signs.
The research is important because if your child does actually have a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, has diarrhea, vomits, and/or experiences a rash (other than around the mouth), it is imperative you obtain the proper care for your child and not dismiss these symptoms to teething.
If you have any questions about teething, please contact Lil Pearls Pediatric Dentistry at (347) 682-5688.
Blog by Lil Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, proudly serving Queens, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Middle Village, Elmhurst, Corona, Kew Gardens, and NYC. Please call to schedule your appointment and establish your child’s dental home.