A low-grade teething fever is common among babies who have just started teething. Take a look at some of the causes of teething fever and a few home remedies for treating this fever.
If your sweet little baby, who has been an angel since his birth, has suddenly started getting all drooly, cranky, and fussy, then it might be a sign of teething. Baby teething is probably one of the scariest things ever for the poor moms who have to keep up all night to care for the baby. Well, there are many symptoms that announce this teething nightmare for your child and you.
Most often, the process is accompanied by red, swollen, or bulging gums and perpetual drooling in babies and toddlers. This may also be accompanied by diarrhea and a cough. Most babies are quite cranky, especially at night when there is no distraction to keep their mind away from the pain. Along with this, the toddler will develop the incessant habit of chewing on any solid object that he finds, which includes his fingers, your fingers, and all his favorite toys. This biting and chewing actually creates a counter pressure which provides a relief from the pressure under the gums.
What Exactly Causes Fever During Teething?
The main cause of fever during teething is the development of ear infection in infants. This is caused by the new teeth which create pressure on the infant’s ear canal and sinus cavities. This pressure in the ear canal can stimulate the development of an ear infection. So when the ear canal becomes filled with fluid that cannot escape, it results in the growth of a bacteria-caused infection in the ear and the sinus. Thus, the baby suffers from a low, intermittent fever.
How You Can Treat Teething Fever at Home
The pain associated with teething is a normal part of the process. However, there are ways in which to relieve the child of the suffering and the fever. Here are a list of home remedies for fever during teething, which will help ease the symptoms of teething in your baby.
Teethers
Teethers chilled in the refrigerator are of great help to treat the fever. This remedy might work indirectly, but works nevertheless. Teethers are made of soft plastic, and are filled with liquid, making them soft and squishy. You can also give your baby a cold washcloth to chew on. Once your baby starts chewing on these, the chewing will ease the pain in the gums, and relieve fever to some extent.
Warm Water Baths and Massages
We know that fever causes excessive heat. Bathe your baby in lukewarm water to help lose this heat and make the baby feel at ease instantly. Make sure that the water is neither too hot nor too cold. It is very important to massage your infant’s gums during this time.
Cold Meals
Frozen slices of banana or bagel can be fed to a teething child. This will help relieve the pressure on the gums and numb the pain. You will also find teething biscuits in the market. Another great option here would be a carrot.
Clothing Check
The first instinct when the baby has fever is to swaddle it with heavy clothes and blankets. This might not really help. Instead, try to keep the baby’s clothing comfortable and a little loose. This will help the skin to release heat.
Other Things You Can Do
Sometimes, the fever is also a result of diarrhea. Babies put a lot of things in their mouth to chew on them when they’re teething. At times, this leads to diarrhea and a fever along with it. Distract your baby from pain by entertaining him. Also, carry a teether always, specially when you step out. This way the baby will be less cranky.
Though these home remedies will help ease the fever, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. For example, although a low teething fever is normal, a high grade fever may signal a viral illness. Thus, if you see an increase in the temperature, consult the pediatrician immediately. Apart from these home remedies, certain types of medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also act as effective pain relievers. Do consult a doctor for the medication and the dosage instructions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.
