Signs and symptoms that are not associated with teething

If your child has an upset tummy (diarrhoea), a high temperature (especially if over 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), or a runny nose, don’t simply rule it out as being part of teething, specifically if these signs exceed the 24-hour mark.

There is no scientific evidence that these signs are directly linked to teething. While an increase in temperature is experienced during teething, a fever and diarrhoea are not the norm⁽¹⁾ and should not be dismissed as being due teething and ignored. 

One of the many reasons to explain these specific symptoms often being incorrectly associated with teething is that mothers often report an elevation in temperature as a fever (which medically it is not, a fever is regarded as any temperature above 38°C or 104°F). Another is that children often come into contact with numerous germs and viruses as a result of putting objects into their mouths in an attempt to try and soothe themselves while teething and may pick up illnesses as a result.

Always check with your family doctor or paediatrician if your infant or toddler experiences a persistent fever, diarrhoea or flu-like symptoms.

References

^{1. American Academy of Pediatrics. 18 February 2016. Researchers say rise in temperature with teething usually not a fever. Available at https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/Researchers-Say-Rise-in-Temperature-With-Teething-Usually-Not-a-Fever.aspx Accessed [26/04/2018]}