The eruption of a baby’s first teeth is a normal developmental stage, typically starting around six months of age and continuing until about 30 months. Caregivers frequently report symptoms like irritability, drooling, and a runny nose during this period. This association often leads parents to wonder if the emerging tooth directly causes the nasal discharge. Understanding this relationship is important for proper infant care.
Is There a Direct Scientific Link?
Medical consensus holds that teething does not directly cause systemic symptoms such as a true runny nose or a fever. Experts caution against attributing significant nasal discharge or diarrhea solely to teething. The period when teeth emerge (six to 30 months) coincides with a natural shift in a baby’s immune system. Passive immunity gained from the mother decreases, while exposure to common childhood viruses increases significantly.
The perceived link is often indirect. Teething causes a baby to engage in increased hand-to-mouth activity to soothe sore gums. This constant chewing and mouthing increases the likelihood of picking up mild viral or bacterial infections that cause a runny nose. The discomfort of teething may also stress the baby’s system, making them more vulnerable to these illnesses. Therefore, a runny nose occurring during teething is frequently a coincidence resulting from increased germ exposure at a susceptible age.
The Physiological Explanation for Nasal Symptoms
Even without a viral infection, teething can cause symptoms that mimic a runny nose through two physiological mechanisms. The most obvious is excessive saliva production, or drooling, a hallmark sign of teething. When a baby produces a large volume of saliva, some excess fluid drains down the back of the throat and into the upper airway, creating a post-nasal drip effect. This can lead to a slight cough and the appearance of a runny nose, as the volume of drool irritates the nasal passages.
Localized Inflammation
The process of a tooth breaking through the gum tissue involves localized inflammation within the mouth. Some studies suggest this local irritation can trigger an inflammatory response that extends beyond the gums. Due to shared nerve pathways, this inflammation may mildly affect the nasal mucosa, leading to temporary, clear, and thin nasal discharge. This mild discharge is thought to be a transient biological response to the eruption process rather than a sign of a true infection.
When a Runny Nose Signals More Than Teething
Caregivers must differentiate between mild, transient symptoms related to teething and those signaling a genuine illness. A runny nose associated with teething is typically very mild, consisting of thin, clear discharge that lasts for only two to three days, coinciding closely with the tooth’s eruption. Nasal discharge that is thick, yellow, or green, especially if it persists for more than three days, is unlikely to be caused by teething alone.
Teething does not cause a high fever; a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) indicates the baby is fighting an infection. Other systemic symptoms are also not considered part of the normal teething process. If the baby’s irritability is inconsolable, or if the runny nose continues past the expected short duration, consult a medical professional. Attributing severe symptoms to teething can delay the diagnosis and treatment of an infection.
Comfort Measures for Nasal Discomfort
For mild nasal congestion or irritation during teething or a common cold, several safe, non-medicinal measures can provide relief.
Relief Measures
- Saline nasal drops or a gentle saline spray can moisturize the nasal passages and thin the mucus, making it easier to clear.
- Following saline application, a rubber bulb syringe or a nasal aspirator can safely remove the loosened discharge.
- Running a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room helps moisten the air, soothing irritated airways and preventing nasal passages from drying out.
- Keeping the baby well-hydrated with breast milk or formula is important, as this helps maintain the thin consistency of the mucus.
- Keeping the baby slightly elevated during sleep may also assist with drainage and improve breathing comfort.