Teething, the emergence of a baby’s first teeth, often coincides with many other developmental changes. This leads parents to question whether it causes new symptoms like constipation. Teething is the physical eruption of teeth through the gums. Constipation involves infrequent bowel movements and the passing of hard, dry stools.
Is Teething a Direct Cause
Teething itself is not a direct physiological cause of constipation. The process of a tooth breaking the gum line does not trigger changes in the gastrointestinal tract that lead to hardened stool. There is no scientific evidence supporting a direct causal relationship between the two events.
However, the discomfort associated with teething can create an indirect link to changes in bowel habits. A baby with sore gums might refuse to nurse or drink enough fluid, leading to mild dehydration and harder stools. They might also avoid eating certain solid foods, particularly those with fiber, which slows down digestion and contributes to infrequent movements.
Recognizing True Infant Constipation
Parents must distinguish between true constipation and the normal straining infants often exhibit. Healthy babies frequently grunt, strain, and turn red-faced while learning to coordinate the muscles for a bowel movement. This is not constipation if the resulting stool is soft when it passes.
True constipation is defined by the consistency of the stool, which is hard, dry, or pebble-like. Other signs include excessive crying or apparent pain during a bowel movement, or a marked decrease in frequency from the baby’s usual pattern. For example, a formula-fed baby going more than two to three days without a movement, or any baby passing pellet-like stools, indicates a problem.
Common Causes When Teething Isn’t to Blame
Constipation is most often caused by changes in the baby’s diet or hydration, which frequently coincide with the teething period. The introduction of solid foods is a primary trigger, especially if the diet includes low-fiber, binding foods such as rice cereal or bananas. A baby’s digestive system needs time to adjust to processing fiber, and a sudden influx of solids can temporarily slow down gut transit time.
Dehydration is another major contributor, as insufficient fluid intake allows the colon to absorb too much water from the stool, making it hard and dry. This can happen during a mild illness or if the baby is not taking enough formula or breast milk. Transitioning from breast milk to formula, or switching formula types, can also alter stool consistency because formula is generally harder to digest.
Strategies for Relief
For mild constipation, several safe home strategies can help relieve discomfort and soften the stool. Increasing fluid intake is the first step, which involves offering a small amount of water to older infants who have started solids. For babies over one month of age, small amounts of 100% fruit juice, specifically pear, prune, or apple, can be effective because they contain sorbitol, a natural laxative.
Dietary adjustments for babies eating solids should focus on “P-foods,” which include pureed prunes, peaches, and pears, as these are high in soluble fiber. Physical activity can also stimulate the bowels. Laying the baby on their back and gently moving their legs in a bicycle motion encourages movement through the intestines. Massaging the baby’s abdomen gently in a clockwise direction can also help move stool through the colon. If constipation persists for more than a few days despite these measures, or if the baby shows signs of severe pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool, contact a pediatrician immediately.