Can a 1-year-old baby develop a fever when teething?

May 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My baby just turned 1 year old and has recently started teething. Over the past couple of days, he has had a slight fever, seems less energetic than usual, and is drooling excessively and chewing on things frequently. Could these symptoms be caused by teething?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao

Under normal circumstances, a 1-year-old baby may experience mild fever symptoms during the teething period.

During teething, the eruption of teeth can irritate the gums, causing a mild inflammatory response in the local tissue. Some babies may develop an elevated body temperature as a result. This is usually a low-grade fever, with body temperature generally between 37.5℃ and 38℃, and the duration is typically short. At the same time, babies may also experience increased drooling, a desire to chew on objects, red and swollen gums, irritability, decreased appetite, and other symptoms.

However, not all 1-year-old babies will develop a fever during teething, as individual differences exist. Some babies may show no discomfort at all while teething. If the fever persists or is accompanied by other severe symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or rash, prompt medical attention is necessary to rule out other potential illnesses.

In daily life, parents should closely monitor the baby's temperature and overall condition during teething, maintain good oral hygiene, and use safe teething products to help relieve gum discomfort.