Teething myths that won’t die (and what’s actually normal)

Teething has been blamed for ills from high fever to severe diarrhoea and broken sleep. Today, however, research has debunked this. It has been established that while teething may bring mild discomfort for a day or two as a new tooth pushes through, leading to drooling and gum rubbing or chewing, it is unlikely to cause major changes to baby’s system or routine, says Durban paediatric dentist Dr Saadia Desai. “In most cases, it can be relieved by simply giving baby a soft cloth or chilled (not frozen) teething ring to chew on, or by gently massaging their gums.”

Myth: Teething causes fever

The fiction: Teething causes ‘teething fever’ of 38.5⁰C or higher.

The facts: A normal, healthy temperature for a baby is typically between 36.5⁰C and 37.5⁰C. Teething may cause a slight increase for some babies, but typically under 38⁰C, limited to the day the tooth erupts and the day before. Teething peaks at 6-12 months, which is when maternal antibodies fade, and babies begin putting everything in their mouth, leading to more frequent real illnesses, says Dr Desai.

The takeaway: A true medical fever (38⁰C or higher) is almost always a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, she says. “It’s important to consult baby’s healthcare provider and not dismiss it as ‘teething’.” 

Myth: Teething causes diarrhoea

The fiction: Teething results in ‘teething nappies’ – severe, watery or frequent diarrhoea.

The facts: Excessive saliva production when a new tooth pushes through may sometimes cause a rash around the mouth, but there is no scientifically accepted evidence to prove that teething causes softer stools or a rash on the bottom, says Dr Desai. Watery or persistent diarrhoea usually indicates a gastrointestinal bug or change in baby’s diet. 

The takeaway: Don’t dismiss diarrhoea as ‘teething’ – this can lead to dangerous delays in treating dehydration. “Consult your healthcare provider,” she says. “To alleviate drool rash, gently and frequently wipe baby’s mouth and apply a barrier cream to the skin.”

Myth: Teething causes ear infections

The fiction: Teething is responsible for painful ear infections.

The facts: Teething and ear infections can occur around the same time, but there is no causal link between them. Ear infections result not from teething, but from fluid accumulating in the middle ear due to viruses or bacteria, causing pain and even temporary hearing loss. 

The takeaway: Don’t dismiss an ear infection as ‘just teething’, says Dr Desai. Consult baby’s healthcare provider if you notice symptoms – intense crying, fussiness, poor sleep, pulling or rubbing ears, fever, reduced appetite, and fluid draining from the ear. Baby may also show signs of pain when lying down, balance issues, or not respond to quiet sounds. 

Myth: Teething causes serious sleep disruption

The fiction: Teething can cause weeks of nighttime wakefulness and broken sleep.

The facts: Baby may be more fussy or difficult to settle for 1-3 days as a tooth breaks the surface, but longer term sleep problems are more likely due to developmental milestones (such as crawling and standing, resulting in resisting sleep), growth spurts (increasing hunger), habit changes (shortening naps), routine disruptions (traveling), separation anxiety, or improper sleep associations (relying on rocking, feeding or a dummy to fall sleep, which can make it harder for baby to settle after natural waking cycles).

The takeaway: Don’t attribute sleep problems to teething – discuss them with a clinic sister or your baby’s heath care provider, who can advise on how to address them, says Dr Desai.

IMAGE: freepik.com