Nasal congestion in infants often concerns parents, especially when a baby is teething. Many parents wonder if a stuffy nose is a symptom of emerging teeth. This article clarifies the relationship between teething and congestion, offering evidence-based information.
Understanding Common Teething Symptoms
Teething typically begins around six months of age, though it varies for individual infants. As teeth emerge through the gums, babies commonly experience behavioral changes. Increased drooling is a widespread symptom, sometimes leading to a rash on the chin, cheeks, or neck due to excess moisture.
Infants may also exhibit increased fussiness or irritability and a desire to chew on objects to relieve gum discomfort. Swollen or tender gums are frequently observed, and a baby might rub their gums or cheeks. A mild elevation in temperature, generally below 100.4°F (38°C), can occur, but true fevers are not directly caused by teething.
Congestion and Teething: The Connection Explained
Nasal congestion is generally not considered a direct symptom of teething. While some parents observe congestion concurrently with teething, it is more often due to other common infant conditions.
Babies, especially around six months, experience a decrease in maternal antibodies, making them more susceptible to mild viral infections like the common cold. Infants also frequently explore their environment by putting objects into their mouths, which can introduce germs and allergens. This increased exposure to pathogens during teething often leads to coincidental illnesses rather than symptoms directly from teething.
If a runny nose is present during teething, it is typically clear and resolves within a few days, potentially due to increased saliva or minor inflammatory responses. However, persistent congestion, especially with thick, colored mucus, points more toward an infection.
Some research suggests an indirect link, where the mild stress of teething might make an infant slightly more vulnerable to infections. Nevertheless, medical consensus indicates that nasal congestion, significant fever, or diarrhea are not typical signs of teething. If these symptoms are present, it is more probable that the baby is experiencing a cold, allergies, or another type of illness.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Parents should seek medical advice if their baby’s congestion is accompanied by a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C), as this temperature is not typically associated with teething. Persistent or worsening symptoms, such as a cough that does not improve, thick or colored nasal discharge lasting more than several days, or signs of dehydration like fewer wet diapers, warrant a healthcare provider’s evaluation. Any indications of difficulty breathing, including fast or labored breathing, noisy breathing, flaring nostrils, grunting sounds, or a blue tint to the skin, require immediate medical attention. If a baby refuses to feed or shows severe irritability that cannot be consoled, it is also appropriate to consult a doctor. These symptoms often signal an underlying illness that needs professional diagnosis and care beyond teething.