Teething Myths and Facts: What the Evidence Actually Supports and What It Does Not

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This article looks at the most common teething myths one by one, and clarifies what teething does and does not cause.

Myth: Teething Causes Fever

This is perhaps the most widely held teething belief, and one of the most important to address. A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the relationship between fever and primary tooth eruption found that teething may cause a very slight rise in body temperature, but does not produce a true fever above 38°C (Memarpour et al., 2015). The NHS is equally clear: a high temperature is not a symptom of teething (NHS).

The reason this myth is so persistent is timing. Teething begins around six months, which is the same age that babies start losing the passive immunity they received from their mother. As their own immune system develops, they become more susceptible to common infections. A baby who happens to catch a virus while also teething can easily look like the teething caused the fever, when in fact they are two separate events occurring at the same time (Yousif et al., 2020).

Why it matters: attributing a high fever to teething can delay parents from seeking medical advice for what may be a genuine infection. If your baby has a temperature above 38°C, treat it as a potential illness and consult your GP or call NHS 111, regardless of whether they are teething.

Myth: Teething Causes Diarrhoea

Another common belief, and another one not supported by the evidence. Multiple studies and NHS guidance confirm that teething does not cause true diarrhoea. Some babies may have slightly looser stools during teething, possibly because they swallow more saliva, but persistent or watery diarrhoea should not be attributed to teething alone. Some parents notice slightly looser stools during teething, which may be related to increased saliva being swallowed, but persistent or watery diarrhoea is not a teething symptom (NHS).

The timing coincidence again plays a role. Around six months, babies begin exploring the world by putting objects and hands in their mouths, increasing their exposure to bacteria and viruses that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. A study of mothers’ beliefs found that 68.5 percent attributed diarrhoea to teething, making it one of the most commonly misattributed symptoms (Yousif et al., 2020). If your baby has persistent diarrhoea, seek medical advice rather than waiting for a tooth to appear.

Myth: Amber Necklaces Relieve Teething Pain

Amber teething necklaces are one of the most discussed teething products in parenting communities. The claim is that body heat releases succinic acid from the amber, which is then absorbed through the skin to provide anti-inflammatory relief. The science does not support any part of this claim.

A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine found that succinic acid can only be released from amber at temperatures close to 400°C, far beyond anything the human body produces. Even if it could be released, there is no evidence that succinic acid is absorbed through the skin or that it has analgesic properties (Cox et al., 2019). A further 2024 study confirmed that any succinic acid released from amber is negligible compared to what skin bacteria naturally produce (Marchetti et al., 2024).

Beyond the lack of effectiveness, amber necklaces carry real safety risks. The FDA has received reports of infant deaths from strangulation and serious choking injuries from beads breaking free (FDA). Both the NHS and the American Academy of Paediatrics advise against teething jewellery of any kind.

Myth: Teething Pain Is Not Real

On the other end of the spectrum, some sources suggest that teething does not actually cause pain or discomfort. This is a myth in the opposite direction. Parents often report widely different teething experiences, which helps explain why teething remains so controversial.

The evidence supports the middle ground. The Macknin et al. study found that irritability, gum rubbing, increased biting, and facial rash were all statistically associated with tooth eruption (Macknin et al., 2000). A meta-analysis by Massignan et al. reported gingival irritation in 87 percent of teething episodes and irritability in 68 percent (Massignan et al., 2016). Teething clearly causes discomfort for many babies, but no single symptom occurs in every baby, and the intensity varies widely.

The practical takeaway is that your baby’s discomfort is real, even if it does not look the same as another baby’s. Offering safe, firm things to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring or a firm teething biscuit such as Bickiepegs, lets your baby manage the gum pressure themselves. Chewing provides counter-pressure that can help relieve discomfort and may also support normal oral motor development.

Fact: What Teething Actually Does Cause

With so many myths in circulation, it is worth being clear about what the evidence does support. The symptoms consistently linked to teething across multiple clinical studies include:

• increased drooling
• swollen or sensitive gums
• more biting and chewing
• irritability or fussiness
• gum rubbing
• mild sleep disruption
• reduced interest in solid foods
• facial rash caused by excess drool
• a slight temperature rise below 38°C

These symptoms tend to peak over roughly 8 days per tooth: 4 days before eruption, the day the tooth breaks through, and 3 days after. They are usually mild and manageable. Your baby may want to chew on harder things during this period, which is a healthy instinct. Providing firm, safe items to gnaw on, keeping routines consistent, and using age-appropriate pain relief when needed are the most effective responses.

Symptoms such as high fever, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or widespread rash should not automatically be dismissed as teething and may need medical assessment. Any of these symptoms should be assessed on their own merits, not dismissed as teething.