Many parents notice their baby has a runny nose around the time of teething, but this is usually coincidental. Babies often experience nasal discharge from mild infections or environmental factors, not from teething itself. Teething and a runny nose often occur at the same age, which can make caregivers anxious.
Runny nose teething episodes can feel alarming for caregivers who are already dealing with teething rash, teething fever, or discomfort, but understanding the connection, or lack of one, helps you take the right steps for your baby’s health. At times, a runny nose while teething might simply be coincidental, and if symptoms worsen, our Baytown emergency room team always encourages you to trust your instincts and get care.
What Is Teething?
Teething is the natural process where your baby’s primary teeth push through the gums, usually starting around 6 months of age. As teeth emerge, the gums can become tender and inflamed, leading to increased drooling, irritability, and chewing behaviors. Some research shows that mild symptoms like irritability, fever, and diarrhea can occur around the time of tooth eruption.
One PubMed study reported that 73% of infants experienced one or more symptoms around teething. Common symptoms included irritability (40.5%), fever (38.9%), diarrhea (36.0%), and itching (33.6%) during tooth eruption.
How To Tell If Baby Is Teething
- Increased Drooling: Babies often produce more saliva as their gums react to a new tooth breaking through, which may cause drool to run down the chin or neck.
- Chewing On Objects: Teething discomfort leads many infants to chew on toys, fingers, or blankets to ease gum pressure.
- Fussiness Or Irritability: Mild discomfort from gum irritation can make babies more irritable than usual.
- Gum Swelling Or Tenderness: The gums around an emerging tooth may look red or swollen just before it breaks through.
Does Teething Cause Runny Nose
No, teething itself does not directly cause a medical runny nose, though many parents notice their baby has both at the same time. Babies in the teething age range naturally encounter more colds and exposures, and nasal discharge is often related to mild infections rather than the teething process. Observing a runny nose during tooth eruption is often coincidental and not a cause for alarm.
Why Runny Nose Happens During Teething
During teething, babies produce more saliva and may drool significantly. Excess saliva near the mouth can sometimes appear like a runny nose. Additionally, because teething occurs during the age when infants’ immune systems are still developing, mild nasal congestion may coincide with teething. Understanding this distinction helps caregivers manage symptoms without unnecessary worry.
- Increased Exposure to Germs: Babies put toys, hands, and other objects in their mouths more when teething, increasing viral exposure that can cause nasal discharge.
- Immune System Shift: Around teething age, maternal antibodies decline, and babies encounter more viruses, making colds more common.
- Excess Drooling: Heavy drooling can run toward the nose or mix with nasal secretions, appearing as a teething runny nose.
- Concurrent Illness Timing: Teething often overlaps with the viral season, so nasal symptoms may coincide without being caused by teething.
What Really Causes Runny Nose In Babies?
A runny nose in infants is usually due to nasal irritation or infections rather than teething itself. Babies’ immune systems are still developing, and viral infections like the common cold or respiratory infections are the most frequent cause. Environmental factors like allergens, irritants, or dry air can also contribute to nasal discharge, sometimes alongside teething discomfort.
- Viral Colds: Most runny noses are caused by common viruses circulating in daycare or home environments.
- Allergies: Environmental allergens such as dust or pet dander can trigger clear nasal discharge.
- Irritants: Smoke, strong odors, or dry air can cause the nose to run as a protective response.
- Sinus Issues: Mild sinus inflammation from infections may lead to persistent or thick nasal discharge.
When To Seek Emergency Care?
A runny nose that persists beyond typical colds, or is accompanied by concerning signs, may require urgent assessment. Always trust your instincts if your baby is unusually lethargic, breathing heavily, or showing dehydration signs.
- High fever above 100.4°F (38°C).
- Difficulty or rapid breathing.
- Blue lips or persistent coughing.
- Poor feeding or repeated vomiting.
- Unresponsiveness or extreme fussiness.
If any of these occur, contact Neighbors Emergency Center immediately for proper care.
How To Soothe Teething
Teething discomfort can be upsetting for both baby and caregiver, but several safe methods help calm sore gums and reduce irritability. Gentle approaches can significantly relieve discomfort and support your baby through this natural developmental stage.
- Cold Teething Rings: A chilled (not frozen) teething ring eases pressure on sore gums.
- Gum Massage: Lightly massaging gums with a clean finger or cool cloth can reduce pain.
- Soft Foods (Age-appropriate): Chilled soft foods, like yogurt for older infants, can soothe tender gums.
- Pain Relief Medicine: Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help if approved by your pediatrician.
- Distraction & Comfort: Holding, singing, or gentle rocking can calm a fussy baby.
- Avoid Medicated Gels: Over-the-counter numbing gels are not recommended due to swallowing risk.
Treatment for Runny Nose
Managing a runny nose in infants focuses on comfort and supporting natural recovery, especially when due to colds or irritants rather than teething.
- Saline Nasal Drops: A few drops help loosen mucus for easier breathing.
- Gentle Suction: Nasal aspirators designed for infants can remove excess mucus.
- Humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, reducing nasal irritation.
- Hydration: Adequate feeds keep the mucus thin and easier to clear.
- Allergy Management: Discuss with your pediatrician if allergies are suspected.
Runny Nose Support at Neighbors Emergency Center
Many parents ask, “Can teething cause runny nose?” While it’s often coincidental, persistent nasal discharge, discomfort, or associated fever may require professional evaluation. At Neighbors Emergency Center, our pediatric care team provides thorough assessments to rule out infections, allergies, or other underlying causes, ensuring your baby’s health and comfort.
Our staff focuses on offering personalized guidance and safe treatments to soothe teething symptoms and manage runny noses effectively. By combining expert pediatric care with practical tips for hydration, nasal relief, and comfort strategies, Neighbors Emergency Center helps both babies and parents navigate this developmental stage with confidence and ease.