Babies and toddlers getting a fever when teething is a hot topic among parents. Many also notice that the tummy gets looser when new teeth are on the way. But what's actually true? Which symptoms go hand in hand with teething — and when could it be something else, like a cold or a stomach bug? Here we sort out what's common and what you should keep an eye on.
When do the first teeth come in?
The first teeth usually appear at 6–8 months of age, but it varies a lot.
It's usually the bottom front teeth that peek through first. Most children have all 20 of their baby teeth by 2–3 years of age.
Common teething symptoms
When teeth are on the way, your child may show several of these signs:
-
Red, swollen or tender gums
-
More drooling than usual
-
A stronger urge to bite or chew on things or their hands
-
More fussiness or irritability
-
More restless sleep
-
Temporarily reduced appetite
-
Slightly looser stools, often linked to increased saliva production
Extra saliva can sometimes affect the tummy and mean more diaper changes for a while.
Remember: Every child reacts differently. Some barely show any signs at all, while others are more clearly affected.
Symptoms often mistaken for teething
It's easy to put all kinds of discomfort down to teeth coming through, but some symptoms aren't part of normal teething:
-
A high fever isn't typical, although your child may run a slightly raised temperature.
-
Diarrhea or prolonged loose stools are usually caused by something else.
-
A change in your child's general condition, such as being unusually lethargic, should be taken seriously.
If you're unsure whether it's teething or an illness, it's always wise to contact your child health clinic or doctor for advice.