Fever Doesn't Seem to Be a Symptom of Teething, Meta-Analysis Finds

By Cara Adler

Edited by Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

The rise in temperature that can accompany teething usually doesn't reach the level of fever, according to a Pediatrics meta-analysis.

Researchers examined data from 10 observational studies that reported signs and symptoms of primary tooth eruption in some 3500 healthy children aged 36 months and under.

Overall, 71% of children had signs or symptoms, most commonly gum irritation, irritability, and drooling. Fever was reported in roughly 25%; however, on closer analysis of individual studies, the investigators found the temperature rise was generally to a level lower than the definition of fever (>38°C, or >100.4°F). Diarrhea was reported in roughly 20% of children. Symptoms tended to peak during eruption of incisors and to decrease with age.

Dr. John Cowden of NEJM Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine comments, "Knowing whether to attribute symptoms such as temperature elevation or diarrhea to teething can help providers with anticipatory guidance and diagnosis of illness. Because parents use the terms 'fever' and 'diarrhea' less precisely than providers, determining actual symptoms through careful discussion is as important as applying the evidence."