Is It Teething or Sick? Symptoms That Aren't Teething (And What Helps)
Is It Teething or Sick? Symptoms That Aren't Teething (And What Helps)
📅 November 5, 2026 · ✍️ By the Smily Mia Team
📂 Teething Tips · Baby Health · 3–12 Months
⏱ 8 min readYour baby is drooling, cranky and chewing everything in sight. Then the thermometer reads a little high, or the diaper looks off, and a well-meaning relative says, "Oh, it's just teething." But is it? Teething gets blamed for a lot, and some of those symptoms need a doctor, not a teether. This guide shows you which symptoms really belong to teething, which don't, and how to soothe sore gums safely.
🔍 Teething vs. Something Else: The Quick Checker
✅ Teething can cause
- More drooling than usual
- Chewing and biting on everything
- Sore, swollen or tender gums
- Fussiness and irritability
- A slightly warm baby (below fever level)
🚩 Teething does not cause
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Diarrhea or repeated vomiting
- A rash spreading over the body
- Refusing to drink or feed
- Being listless or very hard to wake
📅 When Do Babies Start Teething?
The first tooth usually appears between 6 and 12 months, though some babies start earlier and some later. Gums can feel tender for a while before a tooth shows. Every baby has their own timeline. For a deeper look, read our guide on when do babies start teething.
🧊 5 Safe Ways to Soothe Teething Gums
🏆 Smily Mia Best Sellers for Teething, by Age
Our top-selling teethers are built around the safety points above: BPA-free, food-grade silicone, one-piece and sized for little mouths. Here's how to choose.
Penguin Buddy Teething Mitten
A never-drop wrist mitten with a nipple-like shape that doubles as a pacifier alternative. Stays in reach for newborn mouthing and early sore gums. Seven colors.
Reindeer Teether Mitten
A gum-massaging silicone mitten with a never-drop design that also helps discourage thumb-sucking. Great when real teething begins.
Ice Cream Water-Filled Cooling Teether
A freezable, refillable teether that gives cool relief on swollen gums. Chill it as the instructions say, and let your baby chew.
Nora Narwhal Bath-Time Teether
A squeaky, water-spraying teether for bath time, so teething comfort and playtime go together.
| If your baby is… | Try this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months, mouthing everything | Penguin Buddy or Little Mushroom mitten | Wrist-attached, newborn-sized, nothing to drop |
| 4–6 months, drooling and gnawing | Ice Cream cooling teether | Cool, soothing pressure for tender gums |
| 6–12 months, first teeth arriving | Reindeer mitten | Textured gum massage that stays in reach |
| Fussy at bath time | Nora Narwhal | Turns a grumpy moment into play |
Not sure which to pick? Browse the full teether collection by age: 0–6 months, 4–5 months and 6–12 months, or the freezable and fruit feeder range.
🍼 Our Top Seller for Fussy Days
Sore gums can make feeding time grumpy. Our best-selling Portable Baby Bottle Warmer lets you serve milk at a comfortable temperature at home or on the go, with your own bottle, so one less thing goes wrong on a rough day. From $46.99 (was $99.99). See all warmers →
✅ Teether Safety Checklist
- ✔️ One-piece construction with no small or detachable parts
- ✔️ Food-grade, BPA-free silicone
- ✔️ Sized for your baby's age and mouth
- ✔️ Easy to clean and sterilize between uses
- ✔️ Inspect often, and replace it if it's cracked or torn
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can teething cause a fever?
Teething may make a baby feel slightly warm, but the AAP says it doesn't cause a true fever. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher needs your pediatrician's attention.
Does teething cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea isn't considered a teething symptom. Extra drool can loosen stools slightly, but ongoing or watery diarrhea needs a call to your doctor.
Why does my baby pull at their ear?
It can happen with teething since nerves in the jaw and ear are connected, but it can also signal an ear infection, especially with fever or crying. When in doubt, get it checked.
How long does teething pain last?
Discomfort usually comes and goes around each tooth's arrival, often lasting a few days at a time. Every baby is different.
Are freezable teethers safe?
Chilled teethers are commonly used, but avoid anything frozen rock-hard. Follow the product's instructions.
📚 Related Reading on Smily Mia
- Teething 101: What's Actually Happening in Your Baby's Mouth
- When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs, Stages & What Actually Helps
- Do Newborns Need a Teether Before Teeth Even Appear? Here's Why
🌟 The Bottom Line
Drool, chewing, sore gums and fussiness: that's teething. Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rash or a baby who seems truly unwell: that's a call to your pediatrician. A safe, well-made teether handles the first list, and your instincts handle the second.
Soothe Sore Gums the Safe Way 🦷
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Shop Teethers → See Bundles🩺 This article is general information based on American Academy of Pediatrics guidance and is not medical advice. If you're worried about your baby's health, contact your pediatrician.
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