Why does teething cause fever?

Generally, fever during teething may be caused by local gum irritation, bodily stress response, localized oral infection, gingivitis, or periodontitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Local gum irritation: As teeth emerge, they exert pressure and friction on the gums, causing local congestion and swelling, which may trigger a mild inflammatory response and lead to fever. Parents can gently wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad moistened with warm water to relieve discomfort, and encourage the baby to drink more warm water to promote metabolism.

2. Bodily stress response: Teething is a physiological change. In some individuals, especially infants, the immune system may perceive tooth eruption as a foreign stimulus, triggering a stress response that causes a mild increase in body temperature. No specific treatment is required in such cases. Monitor temperature changes, ensure good indoor ventilation, and allow the body adequate rest.

3. Localized oral infection: During teething, the protective barrier of the gums is relatively weak. Poor oral hygiene may allow bacteria to proliferate and cause local infections, resulting in fever, possibly accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain in the gums. Patients may use medications such as compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide solution, or kangfuxin liquid for local cleaning and treatment, as directed by a physician.

4. Gingivitis: During tooth eruption, food debris tends to accumulate in the gingival sulcus, irritating the gums and causing inflammation—known as gingivitis. When inflammation worsens, fever may occur along with symptoms such as gum bleeding and swelling pain. Patients should take anti-inflammatory medications such as metronidazole buccal tablets, tinidazole mouthwash, or amoxicillin capsules as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is not treated promptly, the inflammation may progress to involve periodontal tissues, leading to periodontitis. This condition often presents with noticeable fever, along with periodontal pocket formation, alveolar bone resorption, and loose teeth. In addition to taking prescribed medications such as metronidazole tablets, clindamycin capsules, or cefixime dispersible tablets, patients may require periodontal scaling procedures when necessary to remove plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and control the progression of inflammation.

During teething, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene. Rinse the mouth after meals and brush teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening to prevent food debris accumulation. For infants and young children, parents should regularly use specialized oral cleaning tools to help keep the mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection.