Teething is a common developmental stage where a baby’s first teeth begin to emerge through the gum line, typically starting around six months of age. This process frequently causes discomfort for the infant. Many parents observe a stuffy nose or congestion coinciding with their baby’s fussiness and wonder if the two symptoms are directly linked. The scientific evidence suggests that teething itself does not cause respiratory symptoms like a stuffy nose or thick congestion.
The Relationship Between Teething and Congestion
The scientific consensus is that teething is a localized inflammatory event in the mouth. It does not directly cause systemic respiratory symptoms like chest congestion, a deep cough, or a cold. Teething does not create the physiological conditions necessary for a viral or bacterial infection in the respiratory tract. Therefore, a tooth breaking through the gum line is not the source of true nasal congestion.
The association between teething and a stuffy nose is indirect and primarily coincidental. One contributing factor is the dramatic increase in saliva production, or drooling, that accompanies the process. This excessive drool can sometimes pool in the back of the throat, especially when the baby is lying down. This pooling occasionally causes a gurgling sound or mild throat irritation that mimics congestion.
A more significant indirect factor relates to the baby’s increased mouthing behavior. To relieve gum pressure, infants chew on nearly any object, increasing their exposure to germs and viruses. Teething occurs when a baby’s passive immunity from the mother begins to wane, making them more susceptible to common childhood illnesses. The congestion that appears during teething is usually a mild, separate viral cold that happens to coincide with the eruption of a new tooth.
Medically Recognized Teething Symptoms
While respiratory issues are not direct symptoms of teething, the process causes distinct signs related to localized gum inflammation. A recognizable symptom is noticeable tenderness and swelling of the gums where the tooth is emerging. This pressure prompts the infant to continually chew or gnaw on objects to relieve discomfort.
The excessive drooling can lead to a facial rash, often around the mouth, chin, or neck, caused by continuous moisture irritating the skin. Behavioral changes are also common, including increased irritability, fussiness, and a tendency to rub their ears or cheeks. Teething can cause a slight, low-grade elevation in body temperature. This rise remains below the threshold for a true fever, which is 100.4°F (38°C).
Distinguishing Teething Discomfort from Illness
Parents must recognize the difference between the mild distress of teething and the signs of a developing illness. The most reliable distinction involves the severity and type of symptoms. Any temperature reading of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is not caused by teething and requires investigation by a medical professional.
The nature of any nasal discharge also provides an important clue. Congestion that is thick, persistent, or colored yellow or green indicates an infection, not a tooth eruption. Teething-related runny noses, if they occur, are typically clear and resolve quickly. Furthermore, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy are not features of teething and suggest a separate illness.
If an infant’s irritability or congestion lasts longer than three or four days, or if the child refuses to drink liquids, seek medical evaluation to rule out other infections.
Managing Both Teething Pain and Nasal Discomfort
Management strategies should be applied separately when addressing teething pain and nasal discomfort simultaneously. For gum pain relief, gentle pressure is effective. This includes massaging the gums with a clean finger or allowing the baby to chew on a chilled, solid rubber teething ring. A damp washcloth twisted and placed in the refrigerator can also provide a soothing, cool surface for the infant to chew on.
Parents should avoid using topical teething gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can be hazardous for infants. If the baby is uncomfortable, an over-the-counter pain reliever like infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used. Parents must strictly adhere to the correct pediatric dosage and consult a doctor before extended use.
To alleviate nasal congestion, a cool-mist humidifier can be placed safely out of reach in the baby’s room, as the moist air helps to thin mucus. Saline drops are effective and safe for loosening thick nasal secretions; a few drops should be administered into each nostril.
After waiting about a minute for the saline to work, a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe can be used to gently suction the loosened mucus. This is best done before feeding or sleeping to maximize comfort.