From the moment you bring your baby into the world, your maternal instincts kick in and you can’t help but ponder and worry over every little cough and hiccup. With so many differing insights into what various symptoms can mean, us mums can be left feeling confused and muddled.
This is why new research from the States is likely to be welcomed around the world, with scientists finally disproving the popular belief that a high fever is a symptom of the onset of teething in a baby.
According to a report published in the Paediatrics journal, a research team from the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry found no link whatsoever between teething and high fevers. Indeed, lead researcher Dr Paul Casamassimo said that a high fever in a baby always warrants further investigation, as there could be something more serious going on.
Urging parents not to pass off a high fever, Dr Casamassimo wrote: “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.”
We all know that teething can lead to a high temperature, but Dr Casamassimo went on to warn parents to contact their doctor if it goes above 101 degrees Fahrenheit/ 38 degrees Celsius and is accompanied by diarrhoea, rash and/or vomiting.
Furthermore, while many parents rely on topical anaesthetics to soothe their little ones’ pain, Dr Casamassimo recommended the use of a cold cloth or teething toys as substitutions.
