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Can Teething Cause a Runny Nose?

Can Teething Cause a Runny Nose

Teething is not directly linked to a runny nose, but many parents notice runny nose symptoms when their baby’s teeth begin to erupt. This timing often creates confusion, especially when other teething-related changes begin, such as fussiness and drooling. It’s essential to understand what symptoms are related to teething to help you respond calmly. 

It might be difficult to see a baby’s struggle with discomfort during teething, especially if you are a first-time parent. Babies go through numerous developmental changes at once, and you may notice a variety of symptoms. It is crucial to understand when symptoms are normal and when you need to visit Glenroy GP at Magnus Medical.

Table of Content

  • When does a baby start teething?
  • How to know if baby is teething?
  • Can teething cause a runny nose?
  • Does teething make baby tired?
  • How long does teething last baby?
  • Can a baby start teething at 3 months?
  • How to help teething baby?
  • Conclusion

When does a baby start teething?

The signs and symptoms that your baby is going to experience are between the ages of 4 and 7 months. Don’t worry if some babies get it earlier and some get it later than these ages. Some babies do get some other symptoms of teething, but that is ok because all children grow at their own rate of pace. In almost all of the babies, the first to come are the lower teeth in the front, and then the upper teeth in the front come next. The teething process is slow as additional teeth erupt over time. 

How to know if baby is teething?

You should watch for the following symptoms of teething: 

  • Increased dribbling with teething. It can lead to a teething rash or a drooling or rash from contact irritation with the skin on your baby's face.
  • Irritated gums, red gums, swelling gums or a tender sore in the gums before a new tooth arrives, 
  • Crying episodes
  • Increased irritability
  • Babies with teething often struggle with a mild fever that stays below 100.4°F (38°C).
  • Biting or chewing fingers, household objects, toys, or fingers. 
  • A teething rash on the face occurs due to constant moisture when teething. 

Can teething cause a runny nose?

Teething does not directly cause a runny nose. While teething and a runny nose often occur at the same time, there is no direct biological link between nasal mucus production and tooth eruption. Babies are prone to more viruses as maternal antibodies decline, which increases the chance of a runny nose while teething. Clear nasal discharge during this stage is coincidental rather than caused by teething itself. 

Does teething make baby tired?

Yes. Teething can make baby tired. The discomfort and stress of new teeth pushing through the gums takes a lot out of them. While some babies sleep more to recover, most babies experience disrupted sleep and get tired. 

How long does teething last baby?

How long your baby experiences signs of teething can vary, but generally, you can expect teething to last for around a week, a few days before the tooth erupts from the gums and a few days afterwards. If multiple teeth arrive in quick succession, then this time period can feel like a long time. For the entire teething process, this can take a lot longer. Your child will have a full set of baby teeth by 3 years of age. 

Can a baby start teething at 3 months?

Most babies start teething between 6 and 12 months of age, but it doesn’t mean your 3-month-old baby is totally immune. It is normal for teething to begin as early as 3 months of age, which means that while navigating early sleep and feeding with your newborn, you may also notice your baby with a sore mouth. 

How to help teething baby?

Helping a baby with teething focuses on comfort and supportive care. Babies usually experience irritability, disrupted sleep, and increased drooling during teething. Gentle care can ease discomfort and reduce secondary issues like skin irritation. Careful observation can help parents distinguish teething-related discomfort from illness. 

  • Teething pain medicine

You can consult with a doctor to give paediatrician-approved medications to help manage discomfort during baby teething. 

  • Chilled teething toys

Chilled teething rings may minimise gum inflammation safely. 

  • Gentle gum pressure

Light gum massage with a clean finger can relieve discomfort temporarily. 

  • Skin care protection

Keep the face of your baby dry to prevent teething rash and irritation. 

Conclusion

Worried about your teething baby’s drooling, discomfort, or congestion? At Magnus Medical, the most trusted Glenroy medical centre, we can help parents distinguish common teething signs from other health issues. 

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