TEETHING

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

• New primary teeth are seen working their way through the gums.
• Teeth come in between 6 and 24 months of age.
• Main symptoms are increased saliva, drooling and desire to chew on things.
• Occasional symptoms: mild gum pain.  Not enough to cause crying or interfere with sleep.
• Does not cause fever (rarely gets to 101°F), diarrhea, diaper rash, or lowered resistance to infection.
• Caution: blaming teething for fevers can lead to a delayed diagnosis of ear infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis and other infections.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Main symptom is crying, see CRYING CHILD OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS OLD.
• FEVER is also present.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

• Crying Child Older Than 3 Months Old (Irritability, Fussiness)
• Fever

View Anatomic Index of Topics