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7 Common Myths About Teething (And What Actually Works)

Let's debunk the most common teething myths that worry parents. While teething can cause fussiness and drooling, it doesn't trigger high fevers, diarrhea, or severe sleep issues – these symptoms often need medical attention. Not every baby follows the same pattern, and teeth don't emerge randomly; they typically start with lower front incisors around 6 months. We've found that most babies don't need pain medication, and amber necklaces aren't scientifically proven to help. Instead, cold washcloths and teething rings offer safe relief. Understanding these facts helps us better comfort our little ones through this natural milestone, and there's much more to discover about effective teething solutions.

Teething Always Causes High Fever

The common belief that teething causes high fever is a dangerous myth that needs debunking.

Let's set the record straight about these teething myths: there's no scientific evidence linking teething directly to high fevers above 100.4°F (38°C).

While we often hear parents connecting fever misconceptions with teething, what's actually happening is a coincidence of timing. Your baby's teething experience varies significantly from others, with some experiencing minimal discomfort while others show more signs of distress.

Babies typically start teething around 6 months old, when they're also more susceptible to infections due to declining maternal antibodies.

Yes, teething can cause mild discomfort and a slight rise in body temperature, but genuine fevers are likely caused by something else. The most common temperature rise during teething only reaches up to 100°F at maximum.

If your baby has a fever above 100.4°F, don't dismiss it as teething – it's important to have a healthcare provider evaluate other possible causes.

Diarrhea Means Your Baby's Teething

Connecting diarrhea to teething is another widespread misconception that needs correcting. While we often see diarrhea during teething age, it's not a direct teething symptom.

Instead, there are several real diarrhea causes to take into account, including viral infections, introduction of solid foods, or even excessive juice consumption. Loss of maternal antibodies at this age can make babies more vulnerable to infections causing diarrhea. Research shows that while increased drooling occurs during teething, this doesn't directly cause diarrhea.

We understand why parents make this connection – these events often overlap as babies explore their environment and develop new habits.

However, it's important to know that true diarrhea, marked by frequent watery stools and changes in color or odor, requires medical attention.

If your baby has persistent diarrhea, don't dismiss it as teething. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers or a dry mouth, and consult your healthcare provider to identify the actual cause.

Sleep Issues Equal Teething

teething causes sleep disturbance

Many parents believe their baby's sleep troubles stem directly from teething, yet the relationship isn't quite that simple.

While teething signs can indeed disrupt sleep patterns, not every sleep issue is teething-related. Research shows that 80% of babies experience sleep disturbances during teething periods, typically around tooth eruption and for several days after. Additionally, when babies are teething, it's common to see them sucking on toys and fingers for comfort. Common symptoms include swollen gums and drooling that may contribute to nighttime discomfort.

We need to look carefully at the timing and symptoms. True teething-related sleep issues are usually temporary, lasting about a week around tooth emergence.

If sleep problems persist longer, other factors may be at play. While some babies might seem to sleep more during teething, this isn't typical – most experience more wake-ups and fussiness.

The key is maintaining consistent bedtime routines while offering appropriate comfort measures to help manage any teething discomfort.

Random Teeth Come First

Despite widespread beliefs about random tooth emergence, baby teeth actually follow a predictable pattern in most children. Understanding this teething timeline can help us better anticipate and manage teething behaviors. Primary teeth generally erupt in symmetrical pairs, making tracking development more systematic.

Most infants experience teething around six months, making this a crucial time for parents to start monitoring oral development. It's understood that lower central incisors typically break through first, followed by the upper central incisors, with other teeth emerging in a consistent sequence up to age three.

  • Lower central incisors emerge first, usually starting the teething journey
  • Upper central incisors follow next, completing the front teeth appearance
  • Canines and primary molars appear between 12-24 months
  • Second molars finish the sequence between 24-33 months

Teething Requires Pain Medication

teething pain needs medication

A common misconception about teething suggests that babies need constant pain medication to cope with discomfort. This is one of the most persistent teething myths, but we now know that teething pain isn't typically severe enough to warrant regular medication. Symptoms often include increased drooling and fussiness.

Instead of reaching for pain relievers, we recommend trying safer teething remedies first. Babies typically begin teething between 4 to 7 months of age and symptoms can vary greatly in intensity. Cold washcloths, firm rubber teething rings, and gentle gum massage often provide effective relief.

While medications like Tylenol can be used occasionally under pediatric guidance, particularly at bedtime, they shouldn't be the first solution.

We're especially cautious about certain over-the-counter teething products containing benzocaine and homeopathic remedies, which the FDA warns against. If your baby seems unusually distressed or needs frequent pain relief, it's important to consult your pediatrician for proper guidance.

Amber Necklaces Relieve Pain

While some parents seek natural alternatives to pain medication, Baltic amber necklaces have emerged as a popular but problematic choice for teething relief.

Despite claims about their effectiveness, there's no scientific evidence supporting amber necklace safety or pain-relieving properties. The succinic acid in amber isn't released at body temperature, and even if it were, it wouldn't be absorbed through the skin. Although manufacturers suggest the necklaces can be worn as bracelets or anklets, this alternative placement doesn't make them any safer. The FDA and pediatric experts strongly advise that belladonna treatments should also be avoided due to toxicity risks.

More importantly, these necklaces pose serious safety risks:

  • Risk of strangulation, with multiple documented cases
  • Potential choking hazard from loose beads
  • False sense of security about teething remedies effectiveness
  • Delayed use of proven pain relief methods

We strongly recommend following the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidance by using safer alternatives like teething toys, cold compresses, or gentle gum massage for relief.

These methods are both proven effective and safe for your baby.

Every Baby Shows Same Symptoms

uniform symptoms in infants

Parents often believe their baby should follow a universal pattern of teething symptoms, but this common misconception couldn't be further from the truth.

Research shows that while 70-80% of babies experience common symptoms like irritability and drooling, individual reactions to teething vary greatly among infants.

We see babies who chew constantly on objects and drool excessively, while others might show minimal signs of discomfort. Some infants experience disrupted sleep patterns and loss of appetite, while others continue their normal routines with little change. Excess drooling can sometimes lead to skin rashes on babies. A gentle gum massage can provide significant comfort for babies experiencing teething pain.

The timing of symptoms also differs, with teething starting anywhere from 4 to 8 months and continuing until age 3. Understanding these varying symptoms helps us set realistic expectations and choose appropriate soothing methods for each child's unique experience.