Does Teething Cause Runny Nose?
Many parents notice a runny nose around the same time a baby’s teeth start to come in, and it is easy to assume the two are linked. The teething process often brings fussiness, drooling, and sore gums, but research shows that nasal symptoms like congestion or a runny nose do not come directly from teething. A runny nose is more likely due to a cold, allergies, or another illness rather than teething itself.
The timing can be confusing. Babies usually begin teething around six months, which is also when their immune systems are developing and they become more exposed to common infections. This overlap makes it hard to know whether a runny nose is part of teething or a sign of something else. Understanding what teething symptoms actually look like and how they differ from signs of illness helps prevent unnecessary worry.
Definition of Symptom
A runny nose means fluid comes out of the nasal passages. This fluid can be thin and watery or thicker. The nose produces extra mucus when it gets irritated. In babies, a runny nose may show as clear fluid dripping from the nostrils or as mild stuffiness that makes breathing sound congested. Parents sometimes notice this during the same period when baby teeth start to come in.
A runny nose itself is not a disease but a symptom. It signals that the body is responding to something, such as irritation, infection, or increased saliva and mucus. Common features of a runny nose include:
- Clear Discharge: Often linked with mild irritation or teething.
- Thicker Mucus: More likely with colds or allergies.
- Nasal Congestion: Blocked passages that make it harder for the baby to breathe.
| Symptom Feature | Possible Cause | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Clear, watery fluid | Irritation, teething, mild response | Thin discharge |
| Thick, yellow/green fluid | Cold, infection | Heavier mucus |
| Stuffy nose | Swelling or excess mucus | Congested breathing |
This information helps parents separate normal teething changes from signs of illness. While teething may be linked with mild nasal changes, many cases of runny nose in babies come from unrelated causes like colds or allergies.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
A runny nose in babies often happens because of common illnesses rather than teething. While teething can increase drooling, it does not usually cause nasal discharge on its own. Other conditions are more likely to explain the symptoms.
- Common cold is the most frequent cause. Babies have developing immune systems, so they catch viral infections that lead to congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose.
- Allergies may also trigger nasal discharge. Dust, pollen, or pet dander can irritate a baby’s nose, causing clear, watery mucus.
- Respiratory infections such as mild flu or other viral illnesses can cause thicker mucus, fever, or cough along with a runny nose.
- Sinus irritation or environmental factors like dry air, smoke, or strong odors can also make a baby’s nose run.
Below is a simple comparison:
| Possible Cause | Typical Signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common Cold | Stuffy nose, sneezing, mild fever | Most common in infants |
| Allergies | Clear discharge, itchy eyes, sneezing | Triggered by environment |
| Infections | Thick mucus, fever, cough | May need medical attention |
| Teething | Drooling, gum swelling, irritability | Rarely the direct cause of mucus |
Parents should watch for patterns. If the runny nose is mild and short-lived, it may not be concerning. But if symptoms are severe, last many days, or include high fever, a doctor should check the child.
Other Non-Disease Causes
A runny nose in babies is not always linked to illness. Sometimes, simple non-disease factors can trigger extra mucus or mild congestion. These causes are usually short-lived and do not require medical treatment.
- Environmental factors often play a role. Dry indoor air, sudden weather changes, or exposure to mild irritants like dust can lead to a runny nose. Babies may react more strongly because their airways are still developing.
- Teething-related behaviors can also contribute. When babies chew on objects or teething toys, they produce extra drool. This saliva can sometimes irritate the throat or nose, which may look like a mild runny nose.
Babies often put many objects in their mouths during teething. This increases contact with germs, but not every runny nose signals infection. Sometimes the body simply reacts to new exposures without illness being present. A quick reference to common non-disease triggers:
| Cause | How It Affects Baby |
|---|---|
| Dry air | Irritates nasal lining |
| Extra drool from teething | May mimic runny nose |
| Mild irritants (dust, smoke) | Triggers nasal discharge |
| Frequent mouthing of toys | Increases exposure, not always infection |
How It Causes the Symptom
When babies start teething, their gums feel tender and sore. This discomfort leads them to chew and bite more to ease the pressure. One of the most common changes during this stage is more saliva. Babies drool more because their mouths work harder to soothe the gums.
Extra saliva can sometimes drip into the throat or nose, which may look like a mild runny nose. Some parents notice that teething and runny nose seem linked. While research shows no direct proof that teething itself causes nasal discharge, the extra drooling and mouth activity may play a role in making the nose appear more congested.
Other factors may also contribute. Teething can make babies a bit more irritable and restless, which may affect sleep and lower resistance to common colds. Many runny noses during teething are more likely due to mild infections or seasonal irritants rather than the teeth themselves. A quick comparison can help:
| Symptom | Possible Teething Link | Other Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Drooling | Strong link | Normal saliva increase |
| Runny nose | Weak link | Colds, allergies |
| Irritability | Strong link | Tiredness, illness |
| Sore gums | Direct link | Teething only |
This overlap explains why parents often connect teething and runny nose, even though the true cause may not be the teeth alone.
Possible Complications
While teething itself usually does not cause a runny nose, some babies may develop mild nasal symptoms at the same time. This overlap can make it difficult for parents to know if the issue is from teething or from a common cold.
A stuffy nose at night can disrupt sleep and make feeding harder. Babies who cannot breathe well through their nose may wake often, eat less, or become fussier. If nasal discharge turns green, it may point to an infection rather than teething.
In these cases, parents should watch for other signs like fever, coughing, or loss of appetite. Lingering congestion may increase the chance of ear infections or sinus irritation. Because babies explore their environment more during this stage, they are also more likely to catch colds.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A runny nose during teething is usually mild and short-lived. However, parents should watch for signs that may point to an illness rather than teething. Contact a pediatrician if:
- The runny nose lasts longer than a week.
- The mucus turns thick, green, or yellow.
- The baby develops a fever above 100.4°F (38°C).
- Breathing becomes difficult or noisy.
- The child refuses to eat or drink.
Short-term clear nasal discharge can happen with teething, but ongoing or worsening symptoms often mean a cold, allergy, or infection. Parents should also watch for additional warning signs:
- Ear pulling or signs of ear pain
- Severe coughing or wheezing
- Signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth)
If you notice any of these, call a doctor to check for infections or other causes. Ongoing nasal symptoms that disrupt sleep or feeding should be reviewed by a healthcare professional. In most cases, you can care for your child at home by wiping the nose, offering fluids, and keeping the baby comfortable. If symptoms are more than mild teething discomfort, get advice from a doctor.
