Teething is a normal part of infant development, often bringing various changes in a baby’s behavior and physical state. Parents frequently question which signs relate to emerging teeth and which might indicate something else. A common question involves the connection between teething and a runny nose. This article explores established teething symptoms, clarifies why a runny nose is often associated with it, discusses other common causes of nasal discharge, and outlines when medical advice should be sought.
Understanding Teething Symptoms
Teething is the process where a baby’s first teeth, known as deciduous or baby teeth, emerge through the gums. This developmental milestone typically begins around 6 months of age, though the timing can vary significantly from one infant to another. By about 2½ to 3 years old, most children have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.
As teeth push through the gums, babies may experience various symptoms. Common signs include increased drooling, sometimes leading to a facial rash around the mouth and chin due to skin irritation. Babies often show increased irritability, fussiness, and a desire to chew on objects to relieve gum pressure. Swollen or tender gums are also observed, and some infants may experience slight changes in sleep or eating patterns.
The Teething and Runny Nose Connection
A runny nose is not considered a direct symptom of teething. Scientific evidence does not support a direct causal link, though there are plausible reasons for this common perception.
One contributing factor is the significant increase in drooling during teething. This excess saliva can appear similar to clear nasal discharge, leading parents to believe their baby has a runny nose from teething. Another reason is the timing of teething, which often coincides with changes in a baby’s immune system. Around 6 months, maternal antibodies decrease, and babies have more exposure to the wider world. This increased exposure makes them more susceptible to common viral infections, which frequently cause a runny nose.
Some experts suggest that the mild stress or discomfort associated with teething might indirectly make a baby slightly more vulnerable to minor infections. When babies continuously put objects in their mouths to soothe their gums, they can also introduce germs, leading to infections that manifest with symptoms like a runny nose. Therefore, a runny nose occurring during teething is more likely a coincidental viral infection rather than a direct result of tooth eruption.
Common Causes of a Baby’s Runny Nose
A runny nose in infants is most frequently caused by viral infections, such as the common cold. These infections are common in young children, who may experience several colds as their immune systems develop. Nasal discharge from a cold typically starts clear and may later thicken and change color to yellow or green.
Allergies can also lead to a runny nose, though they are less common in very young infants compared to toddlers and older children. Symptoms of allergies can include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Environmental irritants, such as dust, cigarette smoke, or dry air, can also trigger nasal discharge in babies. Occasionally, a foreign object lodged in the nostril can cause a runny nose, often accompanied by foul-smelling mucus from one side.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While a runny nose in babies is often harmless, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. It is important to consult a pediatrician if a baby under 3 months old has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. For babies 3 months or older, a high fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C), especially if it persists or recurs, should prompt a call to the doctor.
Other concerning signs include difficulty breathing, wheezing, or unusually fast breathing. Thick or discolored nasal discharge lasting several days, persistent coughing, or a runny nose accompanied by lethargy, refusal to feed, or signs of dehydration (such as fewer wet diapers) also necessitate medical evaluation. If only one side of the nose is runny, if the mucus smells bad, or if the baby has had an injury, professional medical advice should be sought.