Is My Baby Teething or Actually Sick?

It’s a universal question for parents of babies: Is my baby sick or just teething? They may be fussy, drooling, and feverish. And here’s the thing: it is totally fine to call and discuss your worries with your pediatrician, and with us here at Dental Care 4 Kids! Your Englewood, NJ pediatric dentists are here to help. In the meantime, here are some differences between teething discomfort and illness that might help:

It’s Probably Teething If…

• The Insatiable Urge to Gnaw:Your baby is around 6 months old and wants to chew on all the things. Provide your baby with safe chewing objects: chilled, non-filled teething toys or a clean, cool washcloth can help your baby as they cut their first teeth.
• So much drooling: Active teething triggers excessive drooling in most babies. All that extra drool can cause a rash around the mouth and chin. Keep a terry-cloth bib to help catch and wipe off the drool to reduce the rash.
• Irritability: Cutting those first baby teeth can be uncomfortable. Be understanding if they need more cuddles and patience to get through until the first baby tooth breaks through.

Once you see that first little white line in the gums, make sure to schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentists in Englewood, NJ.

Your Baby Might Be Sick If…

• They have a fever: Studies have shown that fevers are not associated with teething. If your baby has a temperature above 100.4 F, call their pediatrician.
• No appetite: Although teething babies may get extra fussy about solid foods and want to rely on liquids, sick babies often lose their appetites entirely.
• Symptoms like coughing, runny nose, etc. These symptoms, along with vomiting and/or diarrhea, are not teething symptoms, but symptoms that your baby has picked up a bug.
• A general rash: Teething drool can cause a face rash, but if your baby has a rash that spreads to more parts of their body, that is a sign of illness.

Call the Pediatric Dentists Englewood, NJ Parents Trust

Never feel awkward about calling your baby’s pediatrician if they have symptoms of an illness. It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you have any questions or concerns about teething, schedule an appointment with us here at Dental Care 4 Kids today!