Being a parent means countless moments of joy and precious memories that will last a lifetime. However, it also comes with many challenges that can frazzle the nerves. One of these challenges is undoubtedly the teething phase. Simply put,teethingis the process of teeth growing and breaking through the gums as a normal developmental stage for your baby.
Although it is no secret that your baby will inevitably grow baby teeth, you may be caught off guard by the sudden bouts of inconsolable crying and increased fussiness. These discomforting episodes might be accompanied by a rise in temperature. While an elevated temperature has been proven to be linked with teething, there is a misconception that it also causes diarrhea.
To shed light on whether or not teething can cause diarrhea, we have consulted experts in the field. They provide clarity and offer guidance to parents navigating the challenging world of teething discomfort.
How To Know if Your Baby Is Teething
When your baby starts teething, they may experience several symptoms. Common signs that your baby is in fact teething include:
Drooling more than usualA swollen or puffy gum areaFussiness or crankinessSlight increase in temperature (less than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)Redness of the mouth, chin, and cheeks
"Your child may also start putting their fingers in their mouth more often, and you'll start to see a white area on the gum line alerting you that the tooth is about to emerge," says Monica Tanna, D.D.S, a board-certified pediatric dentist and clinical assistant professor at New York University College of Dentistry.
While the onset of tooth eruption can vary, it typically occurs between 4 to 6 months of age. "The four essential incisors in the front of the mouth (two at the top and two at the bottom) usually come in first," says Dr. Tanna.
When Do Babies Start Teething?
Can Babies Get Diarrhea When Teething?
It's a common belief that teething can also cause diarrhea. But that's not really the case. There are a few factors that may contribute to diarrhea during the time that your baby is teething:
Their fluid intake may have increased
Dr. Tanna says that when teething happens, babies can be very uncomfortable, and parents may mistake that discomfort for hunger. Since they are still nursing or using a bottle, their fluid intake increases and they're releasing more watery stools.
Their diet may be changing
For some babies, their teething milestone coincides with another—the introduction of solid foods, and the reduction of human milk, which generally happens around 6 months old. “As parents introduce new foods, kids can be sensitive to them or have allergies,” says Kami Hoss, D.D.S., M.S., an orthodontist,author ofIf Your Mouth Could Talk, and owner of Super Dentists in California. “Because this happens at the same time babies are teething, a lot of parents think that's what is causing the diarrhea.”
They may be introducing bacteria into their system
Dr. Tanna notes that to ease discomfort, babies may frequently start putting their hands and other objects in their mouths. This can lead to more germs and potential bacteria-causing diarrhea.
They're microbiome is being impacted
Microbiomeis a collection of microbes that contribute to our overall health and wellness. According to Dr. Hoss, society at large is unaware that we use microbiome killers, like antibiotics, often and they can be transferred to our babies when nursing. Prescribed medicines, like amoxicillin, are obvious, but antibiotics are also part of our daily oral care routines, he says.
"They actually advertise on the bottles that it kills 99.9% of germs," says Dr. Hoss. "These antibiotics, including essential oils like peppermint to flavor toothpaste and mouthwash, indiscriminately kill the good microbes in the mouth."
Because about 30% of our oral care products are swallowed, they can be passed through breastmilk, affecting the billions of microbes that develop in a baby's mouth during the teething process. Dr. Hoss suggests using products that contain xylitol, inulin, or hydroxyapatite, which are safe if swallowed and promote healthy microbes.
If Your Baby Is Teething and Has Diarrhea
Since babies can teethe and have diarrhea at the same time, it's important to know what to pay attention to.
According to theSeattle Children'shospital, there are several medical reasons that commonly also cause diarrhea in babies, including viruses like the rotavirus which is an infection of the intestines; bacteria such as salmonella; cow's milk allergy which is an allergic reaction to the protein found in cow's milk; and lactose intolerance, which means the baby isn't able to absorb the sugar in milk. These are illnesses that can be identified by taking your child to their health care provider.
"If diarrhea persists more than three days, you should take your baby to their doctor," says Dr. Tanna. "There could be a medical reason that's causing it."
Experts are also most concerned about diarrhea-induced dehydration, so if your baby has not had a urine-soaked diaper in eight hours, has less or no tears while crying, dry mouth, or acting more tired than usual, call their provider right away.
Baby Diarrhea: A Parent's Guide to Causes and Treatments
Tips To Ease Teething Discomfort
Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, but there are ways to ease the discomfort.
Massage your baby's gums with a finger toothbrush. “Babies love getting their gums massaged,” says Dr. Hoss. “And using this soft finger mold will also protect a parent's finger from bites.”Use a banana brush. “It's very helpful, especially if the child is a little older and can hold and chew on it themselves,” says Dr. Tanna.Try teething rings. They can provide much-needed relief for aching gums. Placing them in the refrigerator is an added benefit for soothing gums, but Dr. Hoss cautions against freezing them because they can burn the gums.Also, opt for products made from non-toxic materials. You can search what teething products are made from through theEnvironmental Working Group, where leading experts rate products based on their environmental health.Tylenol can be given as a last resort. That's OK if If your baby seems to be very uncomfortable. Just make sure you stick to the recommend dosage on the bottle.
Although the teething process is lengthy (it doesn't end until all 20 baby teeth are in by approximately 2 years of age), you and your baby will both become more experienced at what to do throughout the process.
Both Dr. Hoss and Dr. Tanna also recommend parents start bringing their baby to the dentist as early as 6 months, so they can help them become familiar with the teething process, ease concerns, and check for any problems.
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