Teething is an inevitable milestone that every baby experiences in their early years. This era of development marks the beginning of those adorable toothy grins; however, the entire time can be quite a challenge for both the baby and the parents. Besides the visible growth spurt of teeth, it comes with symptoms like fever, irritability, and even a runny nose. Let’s take a close look at the link between these two conditions.
The Teething Process
You can expect the teething process to kick start when your baby reaches the age of 6 months. It is a common misconception to think that teething will take place all at once, appearing left, right, and center. However, that is not the case. The first tooth might pop up around the six-month mark, but it is an ongoing journey that fans out in 30 months as a baby grows their full set of 20 teeth.
Establishing the Connection Between Teething and a Runny Nose
Teething is complex and accompanied by a mesh of symptoms. While teething itself is not the direct cause of a runny nose, there are indirect links identified through research.
According to scientists, the stress that the baby’s body goes through makes them more vulnerable to infections. These infections can manifest with symptoms such as a runny nose and fever. Other than that, you cannot stop them from putting anything in their mouths to alleviate teething pain, and this serves as a major gateway for germs. Leading to infections, contributing to symptoms like a runny nose.
True Teething Symptoms
You must learn to distinguish between direct teething symptoms and false ones that tag along. Here are some of the common real signs to look out for:
- Face Rashes: Teething causes mild skin irritations around the mouth.
- Increased Chewing: Babies chew on anything they get their hands on to relieve gum pain.
- Excessive Drooling: If you find patches of saliva on your child’s chin or clothes, take it as a sign of teething.
- Gum Pain: Babies are bound to experience pain in their gums as the teeth push through.
- Fussy Behavior: Irritability and fussiness are common during teething.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby?
Teething is a painful process, but there are ways to help ease their discomfort. Some of the tips include:
- Gum Massage: The best way to alleviate pain is to massage your baby’s gums. Make sure your hands are clean before touching their sensitive gums. For babies aged 12 months or older, use a clean, ice-cold cloth to reduce inflammation.
- Teething Toys: Invest in teething toys designed for babies to chew on. These come in attractive colors that capture your attention and provide a safe and soothing way for them to chew.
- Oral Hygiene: The regime starts even before those first teeth emerge. So, establishing good oral hygiene habits is crucial for their health.
Closing Note
Teething is a naturally challenging phase in a baby’s life. While it does not directly cause a runny nose or fever, the stress on their body during this time can make them more susceptible to infections. If you wish to learn more about this phase, contact our pediatric experts from Cinco Ranch Family Dentistry at our dental clinic at 22167 Westheimer Pkwy Unit 110, Katy, TX. 77450. Connect via call at (281) 407-5442.