Sore red gums, extra dribbling, chewing, one flushed cheek and mild fretfulness can fit with teething. The NHS also lists a mild temperature below 38°C, but a temperature of 38°C or higher is a fever. There is no evidence that teething causes diarrhoea. If your baby has a fever or clearly more frequent, watery stools, do not wait for a tooth to explain it.

01

Does this fit teething or illness?

A tooth and an infection can arrive at the same time. Use the whole picture rather than the timing alone: look at the measured temperature, how stools differ from your baby's usual pattern, feeding, wet nappies, alertness and breathing.

A practical symptom check
What you noticeHow to treat it
Sore, red gum where a tooth is emergingCan fit with teething.
More dribbling, chewing or mild fretfulnessCan fit with teething, but does not prove a tooth is about to appear.
Mild temperature below 38°CThe NHS lists this as a possible teething symptom; continue to watch how your baby is overall.
Temperature of 38°C or higherThis is a fever. Follow NHS advice for your baby's age rather than blaming teething.
Clearly more frequent, watery stoolsTreat this as diarrhoea and watch feeding and hydration.
02

Measure the temperature before interpreting it

Feeling your baby's forehead cannot tell you the exact temperature. The NHS recommends a digital thermometer in the armpit for children under 5. Record the number, time and how it was measured so you can describe it accurately if you call for advice.

Call NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or if a baby aged 3 to 6 months has a temperature of 39°C or higher. At any age, seek advice sooner if your baby seems unwell, is not feeding normally, has a rash or you are worried.

03

What counts as diarrhoea in a baby?

A breastfed baby's usual stools can already be loose and frequent. Diarrhoea means a clear change for your baby—typically stools that are more watery and more frequent than normal. Teething does not explain that intestinal change.

Continue breast or bottle feeds. Call NHS 111 if you are worried about a baby under 12 months, your baby stops feeding, has fewer wet nappies, repeatedly vomits and cannot keep feeds down, or shows other signs of dehydration. Do not give a baby medicine intended to stop diarrhoea unless a healthcare professional has prescribed it.

04

What can safely ease teething discomfort?

Try gently rubbing the gum with a clean finger or offer a firm teething ring while you supervise. A ring may be cooled in the fridge according to its instructions, but do not freeze it and never tie it around your baby's neck. If your baby is already eating solid foods, age-appropriate chilled food may be soothing only while an adult watches closely for choking.

If pain relief seems necessary, check the product, age limit and dose on the label and ask a pharmacist, health visitor or GP when unsure. The NHS recommends trying a teething ring or simple pain relief before teething gels because evidence that gels work is limited. General mouth-pain gels are not suitable for children; any teething gel must be made specifically for young children.

05

When should you call 999?

Call 999 or go to A&E now if your baby is struggling to breathe; has blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin; has a seizure; collapses; cannot be woken; or develops a rash that does not fade when pressed. Do not wait for a tooth to appear when your baby looks seriously unwell.

A high temperature is not the only warning sign. Trust your judgement and call NHS 111 if your baby's behaviour, feeding, nappies or general condition is causing concern even when the thermometer reading is below an age-based threshold.

06

Related United Kingdom guides

Use the UK guides for age-specific feeding, development and NHS care while the first teeth begin to appear.

View references and primary sources