Teething is a very excruciating time not only for your child but for yourself as well. Seeing them in constant pain is not a delightful sight. While teething is a huge milestone for your baby, it comes along with many painful symptoms. Fever, irritability and sleep problems are commonly seen. But does teething cause a runny nose too? Read on to know more.
Let’s first have a quick overview about teething, and then we will move on to see the relationship between the two.
What is teething?
Teething is the process in which the first tooth props out of your baby’s gum. This stage is expected to arrive when it touches the six-month bar. While the first tooth may come as early as six months, the whole set of twenty teeth take around thirty months.
Does teething cause a runny nose?
Parents have often noticed the change in behavior patterns of their baby when a tooth starts to grow. Symptoms like fever, runny nose, or diarrhea are common. However, one question that pops in mind is; whether this issue of runny nose is directly caused by teething or not.
Well, some researchers have put forward the indirect link theory. According to them, stress and bodily changes of a baby during teething make it prone to infections, causing runny nose and fever.
Babies chew on almost anything to alleviate the pain, and sometimes the items going in their mouth might have germs causing an infection. Also, from six months, a child enters a rapid growth period. Interacts more with the world; exposing it to different microbes which builds up the immune system.
Direct symptoms of teething
While fever, runny nose, and a constantly crying baby indicate teething, here are some other symptoms directly linked with the teething process.
- face rash
- increased chewing
- increased production of saliva (drooling)
- gum pain
- fussy behavior
Other possible causes
- cold and flu
- crying can cause mucus to drain down the nasal passage causing a runny nose in teething babies
- infection
- less commonly deviated nasal septum also contributes towards the said issue
Normally, inflammation or an infection is the cause for a runny nose in a teething baby. It takes two to three days maximum to clear out. If it does not, better get an appointment for a checkup.
How to take care of a teething baby?
It is a natural process and should not be feared. Yes, the time will be intense for both of you but hang on; things will settle soon.
Gum massage
If you find your child clenching gums, it is probably due to gum pain. In such a situation, gum massage works well for relief. Find the swollen area, and start rubbing gently on it. Make sure to clean your hands first. If your baby is over twelve months, put an ice cloth on it.
Teethers
During teething, you will find your baby taking every other household material in its mouth. This can be dangerous. It is better to give them a teething ring, washed and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
Pain medication
Gum pain can often be reduced by massage. However, if it does not, then the use of oral painkillers like tylenol work too.
Conclusion
Babies are fussy; they cry and have sleeping problems during the teething process. Do not get exhausted. Instead, understand the process and help them with direct symptoms and indirect ones. If you feel that your baby is acting up due to a runny nose or fever and the cause may not be teething, call Pediatric Healthcare of Northwest Houston PA at 281 655 1500 for scheduling an appointment.
