I’m a new mom and feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. Lately, she’s been crying a lot and her gums are a bit swollen. This morning she got a fever. Can teething cause a fever? If not, should I take her the the pediatricians office? I talked to the older woman who lives in the apartment across the hall from me and she said if I slit her gums it will help. I don’t think I can bring myself to do that. Will a nurse or dentist do it for me?
Maxine
Dear Maxine,
First, take a deep breath. You are a better mother than you think. You obviously love your daughter. You don’t want her in pain. And you are reaching out for help when you aren’t sure what to do. That is stellar mother material. Honestly.
Next, I am relieved you couldn’t bring yourself to slit your daughter’s gums. That is a horrible idea. I’m sure some of the wisdom from the lady across the hall will be fine, but this one sounds like something they did years ago before we had more information.
Slitting the gums will allow the teeth to come out easier, but they will not be as strong as they would if they were allowed to come out the way they were be designed to. It is the root growing longer that presses against the gums. If the gums are just opened, the roots may not be strong enough to support the tooth in the long run.
As for the fever, it is possible for teething to cause a fever. However, it will be a mild fever and it will also be accompanied by other symptoms such as excess drooling, fussiness, decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping (because of the pain), and sometimes pulling at the ears. This last one is because of referred pain.
I would give your daughter some children’s Tylenol. Sometimes chewing on something will help also. If the fever gets above mild or has symptoms like a runny nose or cough, then I would see your pediatrician.
One tip for children’s dental care. Many people wonder when you should first take a child to a pediatric dentist. Once her teeth start coming in, that would be the time to schedule their first appointment. You want their earlier experiences to be pleasant ones and not after there is a problem, like a dental emergency.
This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Lexington, Dr. James Williams.