YES, mild fever during teething is normal - but it should not exceed 100.4°F (38°C). Teething (daant nikalna) typically causes low-grade fever (halka bukhar), irritability, and drooling. If your baby has tez bukhar (high fever above 101°F), it is likely NOT from teething alone - consult a doctor.
Reassurance: Most babies handle teething well with simple home care. The discomfort usually lasts 3-5 days per tooth.
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Temperature Guide: What's Normal During Teething?
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Temperature
Status
Action
Below 99°F (37.2°C)
Normal
No medication needed
99-100.4°F (37.2-38°C)
Mild teething fever
Home care, monitor
100.4-102°F (38-38.9°C)
Fever - may not be teething
Give Calpol, consult doctor
Above 102°F (38.9°C)
Tez bukhar - NOT teething
Rush to doctor
Important: True teething fever is always MILD. High fever means something else is going on.
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Teething Timeline by Age
Age
What to Expect
**4-7 months**
Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
**8-12 months**
Upper central incisors (top front teeth)
**9-13 months**
Upper lateral incisors
**10-16 months**
Lower lateral incisors
**13-19 months**
First molars
**16-23 months**
Canines (fangs)
**23-33 months**
Second molars
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Symptoms to Watch For
Normal teething signs:
Swollen, red gums where tooth is erupting
Excessive drooling (laar bahna)
Chewing/biting on everything
Irritability and fussiness (chidchidapan)
Mild fever below 100.4°F
Disturbed sleep
Reduced appetite
Pulling at ears (referred pain)
Drool rash around mouth/chin
NOT caused by teething:
High fever (tez bukhar) above 101°F
Diarrhea or loose motions
Vomiting
Severe rash on body
Runny nose with colored mucus
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Home Remedies for Teething Relief
1. Gum Massage
Wash your hands thoroughly and gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger for 2-3 minutes. The pressure provides relief.
2. Cold Teething Toys
Refrigerate (not freeze) silicone teethers
Brands available in India: Chicco, Mee Mee, Pigeon, Fisher-Price
Never freeze solid - can damage gums
3. Cold Washcloth
Wet a clean muslin cloth, wring it, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Let baby chew on it.
4. Chilled Foods (6+ months)
Cold banana slices
Refrigerated cucumber sticks
Chilled apple slices in a mesh feeder
Cold dahi/yogurt
5. Distraction
Keep baby engaged with toys, songs, and cuddles. Sometimes the best medicine is mama's attention!
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Fever Medicine Dosage Chart (Paracetamol/Calpol)
CRITICAL: Only give fever medicine if temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C)
Baby's Weight
Calpol Drops (100mg/ml)
Calpol Syrup (120mg/5ml)
3-4 kg
0.3-0.4 ml
-
4-5 kg
0.4-0.5 ml
-
5-6 kg
0.5-0.6 ml
2.5 ml
6-8 kg
0.6-0.8 ml
3-4 ml
8-10 kg
0.8-1 ml
4-5 ml
10-12 kg
1-1.2 ml
5-6 ml
Dosage: 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours. Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Available brands: Calpol, Crocin Drops, Dolo Drops, Pyrigesic
Never give:
Aspirin to children
Oral gels with benzocaine (harmful)
Homeopathic teething tablets without doctor advice
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When to Rush to Doctor (Red Flags)
Seek IMMEDIATE medical care if:
Fever above 102°F (38.9°C) in any baby
Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in baby under 3 months
Fever lasting more than 3 days
Baby refusing to feed for more than 8 hours
Signs of dehydration (no wet diapers for 6+ hours, sunken fontanelle)
Excessive crying that cannot be consoled
Rash on body (not just drool rash)
Difficulty breathing
Blood in stool or gums
Schedule an appointment if:
Teething symptoms lasting more than 7 days
Baby not gaining weight
Teeth appearing discolored or damaged
Delayed teething (no teeth by 12 months)
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What NOT to Do During Teething
Don't give honey to babies under 1 year (botulism risk)
Don't use teething gels with benzocaine or lidocaine
Don't freeze teethers solid
Don't tie teething toys around baby's neck (choking hazard)
Don't ignore high fever thinking it's "just teething"
Don't give ibuprofen (Brufen) to babies under 6 months
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Expert Insight: As our doctors say, 'Focus on how your child looks and acts, not just the number on the thermometer.'
FAQs
Q: Baby has 102°F fever - is it teething?
A: No. Teething does NOT cause fever above 100.4°F. A temperature of 102°F indicates an infection or illness. Please give Calpol (dose based on weight) and consult a pediatrician. Don't delay thinking it's just daant nikalna.
Q: How much Calpol for my 5-month-old baby with teething fever?
A: For a typical 5-month-old (6-7 kg), give Calpol Drops 0.6 ml OR Calpol Syrup 2.5-3 ml. Only give if fever is above 100.4°F. Can repeat every 4-6 hours if needed, maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Q: My baby has loose motions during teething. Is this normal?
A: Diarrhea is NOT a direct symptom of teething. However, babies put everything in their mouth during teething, which can cause stomach infections. If loose motions continue for more than 24 hours or baby seems dehydrated, consult your doctor.
Q: Is it safe to give Meftal-P for teething pain?
A: Meftal-P (mefenamic acid) should only be given on doctor's prescription. For teething, paracetamol (Calpol) is the safer first choice. Meftal-P can be used for older children with doctor guidance.
Q: Baby is drooling a lot but no fever - should I worry?
A: Excessive drooling without fever is completely normal during teething. Just keep the chin area dry to prevent rash. Use soft cotton bibs and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the mouth if rash develops.
Q: At what age do babies start teething?
A: Most babies get their first tooth between 4-7 months, but some may start as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. All timelines are normal. If no teeth by 12 months, consult a pediatric dentist.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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