When your baby is suddenly fussy, drooling, and not sleeping well, it’s natural to wonder:
Is this teething?
Or is my baby getting sick?
Many symptoms overlap, which makes it confusing for parents.
Understanding the difference between normal teething symptoms and signs of illness can help you respond confidently and know when to call your pediatrician.
If you're new to teething stages, you may want to read our guide on How to Soothe a Teething Baby for a full overview of relief strategies.
Let’s break this down clearly.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Most babies begin teething between 4 and 7 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, some start earlier or later.
If your baby falls within this window and shows new symptoms, teething is a possibility.
For a full breakdown of what erupts and when, see our Complete Baby Teething Timeline (0–24 Months).
Common Teething Symptoms
According to the AAP and Mayo Clinic, normal teething symptoms include:
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Increased drooling
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Chewing on hands or toys
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Mild gum swelling or tenderness
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Irritability or clinginess
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Slight changes in sleep
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Decreased appetite for solids
Teething discomfort is usually mild to moderate and tends to fluctuate over several days before the tooth breaks through.
Symptoms That Are NOT Typically Caused by Teething
Here’s where confusion often happens.
Research has shown that teething does not cause:
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Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
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Severe diarrhea
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Persistent vomiting
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Severe cough
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Significant lethargy
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Ear infections
A large study published in Pediatrics found that while teething may cause minor temperature elevation, it does not cause true fever.
If your baby has a fever over 100.4°F, it’s best to contact your pediatrician.
Why Teething Gets Blamed for Everything
Teething often overlaps with:
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Developmental leaps
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Introduction of solids
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Increased mobility
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Increased exposure to germs
Around 6–12 months, babies naturally encounter more viruses due to environmental exposure.
This timing makes it easy to attribute illness symptoms to teething.
How to Tell the Difference
Here’s a practical way to evaluate:
Likely Teething If:
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Baby is chewing constantly
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Drooling is excessive
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Gums look swollen
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Discomfort comes and goes
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Baby improves with pressure (like a silicone teether)
Likely Illness If:
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Fever above 100.4°F
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Symptoms worsen over 24–48 hours
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Baby seems unusually lethargic
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Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
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No interest in chewing or gum pressure
Teething discomfort usually improves with gentle pressure and comfort.
If your baby responds well to a chilled, food-grade silicone teether, that’s a good sign it may be gum-related discomfort.
You can read more about safe relief tools in our guide on How to Soothe a Teething Baby.
What Pediatricians Recommend for Teething Relief
The AAP recommends:
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Firm rubber or silicone teethers
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Chilled (not frozen) teethers
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Gentle gum massage with a clean finger
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Avoiding amber necklaces (choking risk)
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Avoiding benzocaine gels unless advised
If you're looking for a simple, food-grade silicone option designed for easy grip and gentle pressure, our Toothee™ Silicone Baby Teether was created specifically for this stage.
When to Call the Pediatrician
Contact your pediatrician if your baby has:
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Fever over 100.4°F
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Severe diarrhea
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Persistent vomiting
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Symptoms lasting more than a few days
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Extreme irritability that does not improve
Trust your instincts.
You know your baby best.
A Gentle Reminder
Teething can feel dramatic in the moment, but it is temporary.
If you're unsure whether you're seeing normal teething behavior or something more, step back and look at the full picture:
Is your baby still alert?
Responsive?
Comforted by pressure?
Most of the time, teething discomfort is manageable with simple tools and reassurance.
For a full overview of safe day and night relief, visit our guide on How to Soothe a Teething Baby.
And if you're curious about what teeth come next, see our upcoming post on the Complete Baby Teething Timeline (0–24 Months).
