Teething commonly causes a temporary decrease in a baby’s appetite, sometimes leading to a refusal to eat or drink. Teething is the process where a baby’s first set of teeth erupts through the gums, often starting around six months of age. This developmental milestone brings discomfort that interferes with typical feeding habits. The appetite change is usually short-lived, fluctuating with the severity of the gum pain as each tooth pushes through.
Understanding Why Appetite Drops During Teething
The primary reason for a baby’s feeding refusal is the inflammation and swelling of the gums (gingivitis) that occurs as the tooth prepares to emerge. This process creates localized soreness and tenderness, making the act of eating painful. Pressure applied to the gums during sucking, whether from a bottle or the breast, can intensify this discomfort.
Chewing solid foods also requires direct force onto the sensitive gum tissue where the tooth is erupting. The baby instinctively associates feeding with increased mouth pain, leading them to refuse or resist food. This reduced intake is a protective mechanism, as the baby avoids the activity that aggravates their sore gums. Pain sensations can also radiate to the cheek or ear area, contributing to general fussiness during mealtimes.
Recognizing Teething Symptoms Versus Illness
It is important to differentiate appetite loss caused by teething from that resulting from a widespread illness, such as a cold or ear infection. Teething symptoms are typically localized and include excessive drooling, which can lead to a mild rash on the chin or neck, and visibly swollen or red gums. The baby may also exhibit increased irritability, a desire to chew on objects, and cheek rubbing.
While a slight increase in body temperature may be observed, teething does not cause a true fever (100.4°F or 38°C or higher). Symptoms suggesting an underlying illness include a high fever that persists for more than a day, vomiting, or significant diarrhea. If appetite loss is accompanied by a deep chest cough, nasal congestion, or lethargy, parents should consult a healthcare provider. Teething discomfort tends to be brief, often lasting only a few days around the time of eruption, whereas illness symptoms are usually more persistent.
Adjusting Feeding Practices for Comfort
During a teething flare-up, the focus should shift to maintaining hydration and offering comfort during meals. Offering small, frequent feeding attempts is often more successful than pressuring the baby to consume a full meal. Many babies find relief in chilled foods because the cold temperature mildly numbs the inflamed gums.
Try offering soft, cool options such as yogurt, chilled fruit purees like applesauce, or mashed banana. For babies consuming formula or breast milk, a chilled bottle or cup may be more soothing than a warm one. Before attempting a feed, gently massaging the baby’s gums with a clean finger or allowing them to chew on a chilled, safe teething toy can provide temporary relief.
If a healthcare provider has approved an infant pain reliever, timing the dose approximately 30 minutes before a meal can help manage feeding pain. Ensure the baby remains well-hydrated by offering liquids regularly, as hydration is more important than solid food intake during this temporary period. Parents should avoid forcing food, as this can create a negative association with mealtimes.
When Reduced Intake Becomes a Concern
While a temporary decrease in appetite is normal, parents must monitor for signs that reduced intake is compromising the baby’s health. The most immediate concern is dehydration, signaled by fewer wet diapers than usual (less than six in 24 hours). Other dehydration indicators include a lack of tears when crying, a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the head, or dry lips and mouth.
A complete refusal to take any liquids, including breast milk or formula, for an extended period (such as several hours), requires immediate medical attention. Similarly, contact a pediatrician if the baby displays persistent fever, extreme fussiness that cannot be consoled, or unusual lethargy. These symptoms indicate the baby’s discomfort is likely due to an illness or a more serious issue than simple teething pain.