My toddler has swollen gums, is not eating well, and has a fever. I’m a new mom and have teen talking to experienced moms and looking things up, but it seems like everything contradicts each other. One mom told me that this is due to teething and I should cut my toddler’s gums to make it easier for her teeth to come in. That idea terrifies me. I called a pediatric dentist’s office and they said that a fever is not from teething. I called the doctor’s office but they are booked up for three days. She is miserable. What do you think? Is it teething or should I take her to the emergency room?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

I am going to start off by saying that you should not cut your child’s gums. When it comes to baby teeth, there are specifc designs in our body to bring those teeth in at the right time. If you shortchange that process, then it is possible the roots of her new teeth will not be fully developed and her teeth will sufer.

There is a slightly different approach when it comes to adult teeth. As she gets older, if her adult teeth are coming in but her baby teeth are not loose enough to come out, you need to get her in to see a pediatric dentist and have him or her help with their removal. If you don’t, then she will end up with overcrowding and need braces.

As for the fever, yes, teeth can cause a mild temperature. If she has a high fever, than it would be something else. A mild fever is fairly common with teething and I have no idea why your dentist said it wasn’t. Other symptoms would include fussiness, drooling, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.