A new study reveals that high-grade fevers in babies are not always a sign of teething, but could be a sign of another illness, CNN reports.
The new analysis was published in the journal Pediatrics.
Most parents believe that a cranky baby who is drooling, not eating and not sleeping must be teething.
"If a child has a really high fever, or is in significant discomfort, or won't eat or drink anything for days, that's a red flag for concern," said Dr. Paul Casamassimo, director of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Pediatric Oral Health and Research and Policy Center.
The study pointed out that common symptoms of teething were swollen gums, drooling and crankiness and that the symptoms shouldn't last for more than three to five days.
"By and large, symptoms are not a chronic thing. They come and go, and the job of the parent is to comfort the child, and keep their finger on the pulse of their child. Is the child eating? Staying hydrated?" Casamassimo said.
The study said teething can lead to a rise in body temperature still below 101 degrees Fahrenheit and is usually associated with decreased appetite, sleeping problems, diarrhea, rash and vomiting.
Casamassimo said that a cold rag or teething toy might help with the discomfort of teething in infants.
He added that regular use of pain killers can lead to tooth decay, and acetaminophen is a leading cause of liver disease in children.
"If you have to keep doing it day after day, " it may be a concern, Casamassimo said.
