Teething is the process where a baby’s first set of teeth, known as primary teeth, erupt through the gums, typically beginning around six months of age. This developmental milestone often brings discomfort, leading to parental concern when it coincides with digestive upset. Caregivers often wonder if the pain and inflammation associated with teething can directly cause a baby to throw up. Understanding the relationship between teething and vomiting is important for accurately assessing an infant’s health. This article explores the medical consensus on teething symptoms and clarifies when vomiting signals a serious underlying issue.
Is Vomiting a Direct Symptom of Teething?
Vomiting is not considered a direct symptom of teething itself. Medical research indicates that the minor inflammation surrounding a tooth eruption does not trigger the severe gastrointestinal distress required to cause true vomiting. Common symptoms of teething include mild irritability, swollen or tender gums, increased chewing on objects, and excessive drooling. A slight elevation in body temperature may also occur, but this rise remains below 101°F (38.3°C) and is not classified as a true fever. True vomiting, especially if it is forceful or projectile, is highly likely due to a cause other than the erupting tooth.
How Teething Can Indirectly Affect the Stomach
While teething does not directly cause illness, the associated behaviors and physical effects can lead to mild stomach upset or regurgitation. The most significant factor is the dramatic increase in saliva production, which babies swallow in large amounts. Swallowing excess saliva can irritate a sensitive stomach lining, sometimes leading to gagging or spitting up, which parents may mistake for vomiting.
Additionally, babies attempting to soothe sore gums frequently chew on hands, fingers, or toys, often pushing these objects far back into their mouths. This deep oral stimulation can trigger the gag reflex, causing them to regurgitate stomach contents. This regurgitation is distinct from the forceful muscle contractions of true vomiting. The discomfort from teething can also temporarily alter a baby’s feeding patterns, contributing to an unsettled stomach or mild reflux.
Signs That Vomiting Is Not Related to Teething
Since true vomiting is not a direct teething symptom, its presence often signals an unrelated illness, which is common when babies begin teething. Parents should be aware of specific red flags that require immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. Vomiting that is projectile or occurs frequently over many hours is a sign of a potential infection or other medical problem.
A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a true fever and is never caused by teething alone. The combination of vomiting and a high fever suggests a viral or bacterial infection, such as gastroenteritis, a respiratory infection, or a urinary tract infection. Lethargy, severe irritability, or a refusal to drink liquids are concerning signs that indicate the baby is unwell.
Dehydration is a serious risk associated with persistent vomiting and requires prompt medical attention. Caregivers should monitor for signs of dehydration, including:
- Fewer than six wet diapers over an eight-hour period.
- A dry mouth.
- The absence of tears when crying.
- The sunken appearance of the soft spot on the baby’s head.
The presence of blood, bile, or a greenish-yellow color in the vomit is also a serious symptom that warrants an urgent medical evaluation.
Soothing Discomfort and Managing Symptoms
For the actual discomfort of teething, several safe, simple measures can help soothe a baby’s sore gums. Applying gentle pressure to the gums with a clean finger or a piece of chilled, wet gauze can provide temporary relief. Chewing on chilled, but not frozen, teething rings or pacifiers is also effective, as the cold temperature helps to numb the inflamed area. If a baby is particularly fussy, a weight-appropriate dose of an approved pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, may be administered after consulting with a pediatrician. Caregivers should also frequently wipe away excess drool to prevent the development of an irritating rash on the face and chin.