What does it mean if a baby has a fever and clenches their teeth?

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. A baby clenching their teeth during a fever may be related to high fever with chills, teething, emotional stress, upper respiratory tract infection, epilepsy, or other causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a professional physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. High Fever with Chills

When a baby's body temperature rises rapidly, the body may generate heat through shivering to maintain body temperature. During this process, the baby's muscles may contract involuntarily, leading to teeth clenching. It is recommended to take timely physical cooling measures, such as wiping the body with lukewarm water, to reduce body temperature.

2. Teething

During the teething period, the process of teeth breaking through the gums may cause discomfort, leading the baby to unconsciously clench or grind their teeth. Parents are advised to gently massage the baby's gums using clean gauze or finger cots to relieve the discomfort.

3. Emotional Stress

A fever may cause physical discomfort in babies, which can lead to emotional stress or anxiety. Under such stress, the baby may unconsciously clench or grind their teeth. Parents are advised to provide sufficient care and companionship to help alleviate the baby's anxiety.

4. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. These infections may cause fever and sore throat in babies, leading to discomfort during swallowing or breathing, which may result in unconscious teeth clenching. Symptoms typically include coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. Medications such as compound paracetamol and amantadine tablets, azithromycin tablets, and isatis root granules should be used according to the physician's instructions.

5. Epilepsy

Epilepsy is usually caused by abnormal discharges of brain neurons. During an epileptic seizure, the baby may experience teeth clenching, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. It is typically accompanied by symptoms such as foaming at the mouth and upward rolling of the eyes. Medications such as lamotrigine tablets, sodium valproate sustained-release tablets, and carbamazepine capsules may be used under a doctor's guidance.

In daily care, attention should be paid to the baby's oral hygiene, and regular oral cleaning should be performed. During the teething period, providing items such as teething sticks can help relieve the baby's discomfort.