On Teething: No Ugliness Please...

I believe teething can cause fevers and rashes and other various symptoms . This wouldn't be the first time in history doctors were completely wrong.

That's why it's called " practicing" medicine.

I've had six kids go through teething, with two more that will reach that mark quicker than I can blink. None of them have gotten fevers when they teeth.

I DO believe they have discomfort and sometimes pain when they teeth, however. I'm a strong believer in homeopathy, and I've found that giving them the remedy Chamomilia and they're back to their normal (though still very drool-y) selves.

I never recognized any issues when my son's teeth were coming in. I just found it annoying when if he seemed grumpy or out of sorts for any reason - someone would say 'ohhh, he must be teething, poor thing'. Problem generally solved by providing a clean diaper or feeding, so I was guessing, not teething.

The gum tissue doesn't die, but the mouth has this incredible ability to heal itself, which is why there is no bleeding associated with teething.

You say teething does not cause a fever, but a slight rise in body temperature. That's a fever. Anything 'above normal' is considered a fever.

In regards to teething causing runny noses and a small cough, the excessive drooling associated with teething HAS been proven to contribute to a runny nose and cough, and diarrhea.

Of course, when kiddos are teething, they put more stuff in their mouths for the counter pressure. This heightens their exposure to germs. If they were already running a slight temp, this lowers their immune system slightly.

So your theory is backed up by the medical evidence that you're trying to ignore, basically. I'm not saying that to be ugly, that's just the black and white of it.

Same as people say 'Don't go out in the cold when you're hair's wet, you'll catch a cold!'... germs cause colds, not cold weather. But if your hair's wet which makes you shiver and you're body is compensating for that, you're temporarily, slightly lowering your immune system, which increases your chances of catching germs, then coming down with a cold. See? It's still all relative.

ETA: 'cutting teeth' is the term used when the teeth erupt through the gums, and you don't have to be febrile to have a temperature. Anything above 'normal' is a fever, at least that's how they teach it in med school ;)

I think you're in the extreme minority because the majority of mothers have children suffering when they teethe. Mine sure did.

Dawn

Ummm I have had a new tooth come in as an adult and it was not a wisdom tooth just a 3rd molar in the middle of my jaw. Let me tell you it did hurt almost as much as an abscessed tooth did. And swelling of a babies gums is going to hurt so I don't believe those dr's that say teething is painless.

I 100% agree with what Rachel wrote below.

Both of my kids had increased body temperature...which to me is a fever...anything other than the "normal" range is a fever or below fever in my point of view.

Can you advise where the research was found? Sorry I'm a facts or a been there done that kind of person. Maybe cutting teeth doesn't hurt for many but it hurt when my wisdom teeth were coming in and to listen to my daughter when she would cut 2-3 teeth at a time...I would say there was pain. But we may never now...because as we all know, kids can't really talk to let us know it's painful. So my experience was it was painful for my kids.

So I don't believe in what you are saying.

The new school of thought that teething causes no pain or symptoms makes me roll my eyes along with the new study in the past few years saying that sugar doesn't make kids hyper. Really? Come on over to our house on Christmas afternoon... or any time after they've been to grandma's!

Neither of my boys experienced teething horror stories. They drooled excessively, gnawed on things and the youngest did have diarrhea with three different teeth. I think it's a shift in the body and that can cause a number of different symptoms in different people. I also think that for hundreds of years, mothers have noticed certain marked changes in their children during teething -and I would place my money on that.

My daughter was an extremely healthy baby (I stayed home with her so there was no daycare germs etc.). She ALWAYS ran a fever when she started teething and would get loose stools to go along with it.

It would have had to have been a pretty big coincidence that she was cutting teeth at the exact same time she got sick with the same exact symptoms every time. Guess the only way to know for sure is to have blood work done every time they cut a tooth to see if there is an infection. :0)

Every child is different and really if I am treating a cold (with no symptoms except for fever and loose stools) the same way that I would treat the discomfort of teething then it is all good I guess.

However, just on a side note...I was in college when my wisdom teeth came in and I hate to say it but that was not very comfortable at all and sure felt like they were cutting through the gums. :O)

Well, I can't speak to pain. But I can tell you that every time DD is getting a tooth, she gets a fever and a diaper rash for a few days, and basically stops eating...and then "poof" she has a new tooth. At which point, everything goes back to normal.

With my son, you'd never know anything was going on. You'd just one day notice that he had more teeth than the previous day!

So I can't totally discredit the symptoms. They're there for a reason. Enough people have experienced them with their kids - the exact same "symptoms" over and over again - that I think we need to pay attention to that. Doctors only know what they study. And they can form opinions with that information.
But when millions of people report common occurrences seemingly all related to one certain condition... I think we need to pay attention to that.

The ONLY time my 2 1/2 year old son EVER got diarrhea, a diaper rash, or was fussy, was when he was pushing a truth. Also, ALL his teeth pushed through in warm months. He slept through the night since 8 weeks old. Guess when the ONLY times he woke up in the night were? Yep, teething. The ONLY times he cried and cried until I have him something frozen to chew on? Teething.

It hurt like HELL when my wisdom teeth came through my gums last year and the year before.

I had tremendous pain when my wisdom teeth came in.
They came in perfectly fine and there was nothing wrong w/ them.
I also had several teeth removed before my braces were put on, so I can't imagine it was an issue over too many teeth in my head.

My DS had been incredibly cranky for several days last summer and I really just thought he was being a pill. I had him sitting in my lap at a baby shower and noticed he had 4 teeth coming in. Just rubbing on his teeth made a huge difference in his demeanor. He was in pain, no doubt.

Dr.'s are not gods. They make mistakes all the time.
I don't think I'd have too much interest in what someone who seems so closed minded has to say.
Just my opinion-not ugliness.

I remember very well what it felt like when new teeth were coming through when I was younger.. There was that slight ache.. and I wanted to chew all of the time.. Sometimes it did hurt, sometimes it made my ears hurt. Almost like little needles poking in there.

It just felt achy.. Now imagine you are an infant who is not used to ANY sort of pain?

Yes,. this new sensation, does feel "bad" not good.. and so yes you will be fussy.. Sore gums, sore ears.. not a good feeling.

Maybe you do not remember when molars or front teeth broke through the gums and they were coming in and it ached.

Maybe you have a higher tolerance for pain.. But I remember it very clearly. We kept froxen wash cloths in the freezer. I was 6 years old.

Pediatricians are in conflict over this. Many theorize exactly what you say, that teething does not cause any symptoms but rather we are trying to blame teething on basic infant paterns, lack of sleep control and illness.

Then, I've heard pediatricians say that if an adult was to get new teeth the way an infant does, the pain would cause you to pass out.

What I would like to know is why don't secondary teeth hurt? And wy don't 12 year old molars hurt when they come through? Or wisdom teeth that are of the norm (i.e. not impacted or crowded in)?

I tend to agree with you.

Every single thing RACHEL stated is exactly what I believe...even down to the "Catching a cold" fact. Thumbs Up Rachel!

Also, I totally and completely disagree with your doctor saying teething does NOT cause pain. My 5yr old daughter recently had her 6yr molars come in and she was in great pain. I think the only difference between her and a toddler in regards to knowing it causes great pain is that she can actually communicate with me about it. She can tell me she's hurting. Personally, it's not really relevant to me WHAT exactly teething is caused from. I can just only imagine the pain I would feel if something that hard is piercing the skin in my mouth. I myself would absolutely be under the weather and would do whatever it takes to treat it...not caring what caused it, but, how I can cope with it and be ready, knowing what to look for if/when it happens again.

I am not sure if it causes pain or fever- my personal experiences with two babies have been mixed. What is consistent with teething between both my kids is the worst smelling diapers you have ever smelled. Smells like someone opened a manhole. And it's all runny. Yuck! Anyone that discounts that should come over to my house right now. lol

They may not technically cut the gums but they sure do come through them.

Fevers ... may or may not be caused by teething, depends on the kid I think. Some get 'em some don't. My oldest son got a fever and was just generally not himself when he got his wisdom teeth, but I don't remember if any of them got fevers with the rest of their teeth (it's been too long LOL).

Not causing pain ... I call complete and utter bullsh*t on that one. I remember getting molars (and I have like 8 teeth that never developed so over crowding is REALLY not an issue for me) and it HURT. All 3 of my kids from 6 on have come to me when they were getting teeth (molars especially) going "Mom my mouth hurts." None of them have an overcrowding issue either. Your mouth is FULL of nerve endings and blood vessels, bite your lip/inside of your cheek and tell me it doesn't cause pain. Have a potato chip/tortilla chip/anything else pointy stab you in the gum and tell me it doesn't hurt. I know it does me .. quite a lot.

But each person is different, each child is different and if you are lucky enough to have a kiddo that breezes through teething ... be thankful.

I have cared for dozens of kids in this age range in the past 25 years as a nanny and home childcare provider and a Mom. I do not subscribe to the fever theory. But other symptoms, yes, as I have seen it over and over.

Crankiness which I can only point to discomfort. In MANY kids, severe diaper rash and blow outs. This is common from my experience. Then a tooth pops and its all gone. Far too much coincidence for me time and again. I have no idea why, but at least 75% of the time..and in certain kids its every single time, others, not so much.

I do sooo hate the "they have a fever and its teeth" thing. Sorry, thats a virus or other illness.

coming into it late.....
hmmm, I say baloney.

so many statements have jumped out at me. Worked in the dental field for years....

I equate teething with a splinter working it's way out. Yes, I believe there is pain. I know my older son was miserable when he cut his 1st 4 teeth in a 2 week time period at 6 months. We then had a 2 week break, & he cut the next 4 in 2 weeks. 8 teeth in 6 weeks! Insane point of our lives....

Not only did he hurt, he had diarrhea...which our pediatrician said was from the extra liquids he was consuming + all of his saliva. Maybe.

He ran a low-grade, always under 101. No other symptoms. & only during the active 2 week time periods for both sets of teeth. No fever during the 2 week break.....also no diarrhea.

& he had blood blisters on several of the eruption sites....which popped & gushed/oozed out of his mouth! Totally scary, freaky moment. Again, the dr said "normal".

BUT here's the wildest story: when he was teething, we were out & about. A "hillbilly" momma came up to us & said, "You know, I always gave my kids a hunk of pork rind or a big ole' dill pickle skin to gnaw on". OMG, I about fell over....& it was all I could do to thank her for her ideas & not laugh hysterically!!! Good Golly, Miss Molly.....yep, I'm gonna give my son a hunk of pork just like I do my dogs......

Well, & then we have my gpa's method: "awww, just add a drop of whiskey to that bottle. Or you could rub some on his gums. He'll be fine".
Hmmm, no really, no thanks.....

Good question....lots of good answers! Thanks.

I just remember how yucky I felt when I cut my 12 year molars- sore jaw, upset stomach, grouchy and just all around no good. I've just always figured my babies felt like that too.

2 of my kids ran fevers every time they cut a new tooth. the other one just drooled. i think it is different for every person. My oldest was in tears when his back molars came in so i know it was hurting him.

well my kids never recieved fevers or anything of the sort while teething.

As far as the relying on mothers antibodies...my youngest was teething very early "full set without eye teeth and 2 yr molars" by 7.5 months of age...it was a rough couple of months OY!!

Their gums swell and they do get runny diapers during their eye teeth (no idea why but all three of mine have had the runs while the eye teeth come in) Related or not who kinows

I have seen some kids who's cheaks get red in the area that a tooth in coming in..

But I just have to add also as a 27 year old who just got a wisdom tooth...it hurts to have teeth come in...so the pain and aching is there! it was a painful few months for me...i can't imagine for a young one pushing through two or three at a time.

I am not great with science, but from what I have heard the excessive saliva that teething produces might be what leads to the fevers, as it could encourage microbial growth. Don't quote me on that--just throwing it out there, but I will try to find out more.

None of my kids have been breastfed, so they haven't had access to my antibodies (save the first few days when my body produced colostrum (my milk never comes in)). They don't start getting fevers or irritable until they teethe (for my kids, that is around 8-10 mos).

I'm with ya (I think - it's a bit hard to follow exactly what the debate is about)

Teething does not equal a cold.

However, our son did have a cold just before teething began and it tapered off as the full effect of teething became apparent.

Earth Grain Teething Cookies are heaven sent.
As are freezers to put the chew toys in.
And Hyland Homeopathic Teething Tablets.

I have a theory that children that are teething put so many objects in their mouths, that they get more illnesses because of A) their age and lack of mothers antibodies and B) their immature immune system and C) the germs on the things they place on their mouthes are covered with illness and germs that their older peers and parents and caregivers are mostly used to.

So NO I do NOT believe that teething causes fever. I also don't believe most moms really believe that. It's a story they tell providers to get us to let our guards down and let them come anyway.

I believe it totally depends on the child. You are lucky. I have 2 kids and one of them had the hardest time with teething. Wow did he suffer. He was in pain often and was miserable. He would get too warm and his skin would be extremely pale with bright red cheeks. He would wake up 8 or MORE times a night - every night just about from 4 months till age 1. He screamed! He was definitely in pain. Every time a tooth was breaking through he would have awful runny noses (no cold though). Poor guy. Our 2nd child did not suffer like this at all - she seemed slightly uncomfortable at times but that was it. She is 2 now and when one of her 2 yr molars was coming in recently she would point in the back of her mouth and say "owie". Anyway- I think it depends on the child. Our son definitely had an extremely hard time.

i agree, my son just wanted to chew/gum stuff, but he did seem to have growth spurts at the same time or simmilar times

My 3 year old showed absolutely NO 'signs' of teething, so I would have been tempted to agree with you. Suddenly he just would have teeth.
BBUUTT then along came my second: I wouldn't say he was screaming in pain, but definitely in a bit of discomfort- raised body temp and wanted to chew on something: red cheeks and just cranky. I'm pretty sure he isn't sick- just not teething.
So I would say it depends on the child. I remember getting teeth- and it is an uncomfortable feeling- you can feel something coming thru your gums, and it can be a bit tender for awhile. So I think some kids have more tolerance then others, maybe some have more sensitive nerves running thru their gums so it affects everyone differently. Also a child may cry or scream because it is an unfamiliar sensation and that can be upsetting to them as well.

I have four kids, not one of them ran a fever when they were teething. They did drool a lot.

It seems like a lot of babies get their first teeth over the winter months. Maybe they just got a virus at the same time they were cutting teeth. Maybe it is because a teething child will bite on anything including surfaces that contain germs.

Don't know but I am with you, science pretty much rules out that wives tale.

I remember when I was cutting my 12 year old molars...it was TERRIBLY painful. I ended up having to go to the dentist and he lanced the area so that the tooth could come in with no more pain, so I would have to disagree with you on this one.

I think this was God's way of letting me remember how painful it is so that years down the road, when I chose daycare for a career, I would have sympathy for little ones cutting teeth. I just called my BIL who is a dentist to ask him his opinion...he said, by all means, cutting teeth are painful.

First, I've never had a pediatrician tell me there is no discomfort in teething. They have however said the data does not suggest that fevers, loose stool, etc are caused by teething.

I believe in data as I took the time to look through some of it The sample sizes are there is the rest of the methodology. While the data does show variations in symptoms, the data does not show a strong enough evidence to reject the null.

I believe as mothers we always want to know why our children are uncomfortable. While we know for sure our children are teething, we don't know for sure if they have a virus, have eaten something that causes then to have a different stool quality, etc. so we attempt to correlate all the unknowns to the knowns.

Wow! I have never heard this before!!

I'm skeptical only because EVERY time my two middle kids were about to get new teeth, they DID become cranky. They didn't really run fevers, but they both got super super runny noses that lasted for DAYS. They'd get diarrhea, and if I rubbed orajel on their gums....they were alot happier. I also bought teething tablets, and ibuprofen by the bottles lol.

BUT, I am not one to discard anyone's theory or any possibility.....

I always chalked it up to being lucky that my daughter was not a cranky mess when she got her teeth. She did get a runny nose (no fever) with the top teeth and molars (since they affect the sinuses), but that was the worst of it. My daughter’s teeth came in two and four at a time so it went pretty quickly.

I am not sure about it not causing any pain or fevers. My nephews both seemed to be in a lot of pain when theirs came in. And I have known parents to say once the tooth broke the gums the pain would subside. My hubby said that his son and daughter from his first marriage had a hard time too and they both have braces and overcrowding of their teeth.

Just remember that every human is different and how things affect them will also be different, including getting their first teeth. I wonder if some of it has to do with genetics.

I think for some people, there may be minimal pain. I that a lot of moms like to attribute crankiness to teething. Like, oh, he really is a lovely baby (don't you dare think otherwise!) but he is teething! It's an excuse. But I do think it is very painful for lots of babies. My son was a mess the month that all his molars broke through. I know for a fact that he was in pain because he would only sleep soundly if I gave him tylenol or motrin. As for colds, ect, I think that if the body is putting all it's efforts into dealing with pain, then the immune system is depressed. I think your doctor sounds like an arrogant know it all. Not so long ago some doctors thought that menstrual cramps were imagined. Just because someone went to medical school does not mean they are an expert on life.