Teething is a common developmental stage for infants, marking the emergence of their first teeth. This period can be challenging for both infants and parents due to various associated discomforts. Many parents wonder if symptoms like vomiting are a normal part of this process. Understanding the actual symptoms of teething and other potential causes for infant vomiting can help parents navigate this time with greater clarity.
What Teething Really Involves
Teething is the natural process where an infant’s teeth break through the gums. This developmental milestone typically begins around 6 months of age, though it can vary, causing localized discomfort as teeth push upwards. Babies are born with a full set of primary teeth developing beneath their gums. Common signs include increased drooling, which can sometimes lead to a facial rash, along with irritability, fussiness, and a desire to chew on objects to relieve pressure. Other symptoms are swollen or red gums, changes in sleep patterns, and a mild elevation in temperature.
Is Vomiting a Teething Symptom?
Vomiting is generally not considered a direct or typical symptom of teething. While some parents might observe vomiting around the time their baby is teething, medical experts agree there is no clear evidence to support a direct link. This misconception might arise because teething occurs during a period when infants are susceptible to various common illnesses. Excessive drooling, a well-known teething symptom, can sometimes lead to gagging or swallowing a large amount of saliva, which might result in a small amount of spit-up, but rarely true forceful vomiting. Assuming teething is the cause of vomiting could delay the diagnosis of a more serious underlying condition.
Other Reasons Infants Vomit
Infants can vomit for numerous reasons unrelated to teething.
- Gastroenteritis, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is an infection of the gut typically caused by a virus. This can lead to sudden vomiting, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
- Food sensitivities or allergies can also trigger vomiting in infants, occurring within minutes or hours of consuming an offending food.
- Overfeeding, where a baby consumes more milk than their stomach can comfortably hold, or issues with bottle teat size, can also result in vomiting.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, is another common reason, especially in younger infants whose digestive systems are still maturing.
- Other potential causes include colds, ear infections, motion sickness, or prolonged crying spells that lead to gagging.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Parents should seek medical advice if an infant’s vomiting is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination (fewer wet diapers), dry mouth, crying without tears, or unusual sleepiness, warrant immediate attention. A high fever, typically above 102°F (39°C), alongside vomiting, is also a reason to consult a doctor. Specific characteristics of the vomit itself can be red flags; this includes vomit containing blood, green or yellow-green bile, or if the vomiting is projectile (forceful expulsion). If vomiting lasts longer than 12 to 24 hours, or if the child appears unusually sick, irritable, or unresponsive, medical evaluation is advisable.