Can teething cause a runny nose?

Can teething cause a runny nose?

The sources disagree. Healthline's article on teething and runny nose says a 2011 study in Pediatrics found a runny nose, along with irritability, drooling and reduced appetite, can occur on the day a tooth emerges and the day after, and that clear snot lasting two to three days is more likely from teething. Healthline's later article on teething and fever says teething does not cause fever, diarrhea, diaper rash or a runny nose. The American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org page does not list a runny nose, and Cleveland Clinic's teething page does not address it. A runny nose that lasts or worsens is more likely a cold, so watch the pattern.

Can teething cause a cough?

None of the pages we read attributes a cough to teething. Healthline says a persistent cough lasting more than 10 days needs a doctor, and the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that babies may catch more colds because they put more things in their mouths, and that teething does not weaken immunity. Drool can sometimes cause a little coughing or gagging, but if the cough is persistent, wet or comes with breathing difficulty, call the doctor.

Can teething cause a rash?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says drooling can cause a rash around the mouth, and that teething does not cause diaper rash except possibly around the mouth. Healthline lists a face rash from drool among confirmed teething symptoms. Cleveland Clinic lists rash as a symptom to report to your baby's provider. A rash on the body, with fever or illness, is not from teething and needs medical advice.

What teething does cause

Cleveland Clinic lists drooling, sore, red, swollen, tender gums, fussiness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, biting or chewing on objects and a slight temperature rise. Healthline says the temperature rise is about 0.2°F, too small to be a fever, and that a fever during teething most likely points to an unrelated illness.

How to soothe teething safely

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests soft rubber or plastic teething toys, a chilled damp washcloth, a cold sippy cup of water for babies over 6 months and gentle gum massage, and says not to let the baby chew on anything frozen solid. Cleveland Clinic suggests rubbing the gums with a clean finger, cool spoon or moist gauze and a clean solid rubber teether. For severe discomfort, ask your pediatrician about acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and do not give doses without their advice.

What to avoid

Both sources say to avoid benzocaine numbing gels and homeopathic remedies, and the American Academy of Pediatrics says benzocaine can cause a serious blood condition, lidocaine remedies have been linked to serious harm, and teething necklaces of amber, wood, marble or silicone pose choking and strangulation risks. It also says to avoid liquid-filled teething toys, which can leak or tear, and alcohol. Cleveland Clinic adds that plastic or liquid-filled and frozen teethers should be avoided.

Runny nose with a cold: what to do

Healthline says a cold with little or no fever in an otherwise healthy baby usually does not need a visit unless you are concerned, that yellow or green snot is common with colds and does not by itself mean infection, and that you should see a doctor if it persists after 10 days, yellow or green discharge lasts more than 10 to 14 days, or a fever lasts more than 3 days.

Questions to ask your pediatrician or dentist

Bring a list of symptoms and the dates they began.

• Is this teething or another illness?
• Which soothing methods and pain relief are safe for my baby's age?
• How long should a runny nose or cough last before I call?
• When should I schedule my baby's first dental visit?
• Which symptoms mean I should go to urgent care?

Frequently asked questions