When your baby starts teething, you may notice changes in their mood, sleep, and even bowel movements. One common question parents ask is: Does teething cause diarrhea? While teething and diarrhea often happen around the same time, the connection isn’t as straightforward as it seems. In some cases, diarrhea may signal something more serious, so knowing when to seek pediatric care is essential. Let’s break it down and help you know when to relax and when to call the doctor.
Symptoms of Teething
Not all babies have the same teething experience, but common signs include:
- Increased drooling
- Swollen or tender gums
- Chewing on fingers, toys, or household objects
- Fussiness or irritability
- Slight temperature rise (below 100.4°F / 38°C)
- Trouble sleeping or waking more often at night
- Rubbing ears or cheeks (due to referred gum pain)
- Refusal to eat or decreased appetite, especially for solid foods
- Redness around the mouth or chin from drool rash
- Mild gum bleeding when teeth break through
Does Teething Really Cause Diarrhea?
Medical research shows that teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea. However, it can indirectly lead to looser stools.
Here’s why:
- Babies drool more when teething, and swallowing excess saliva may sometimes cause mild changes in stool consistency.
- Increased chewing on objects introduces more germs, which could cause mild stomach upset.
True diarrhea is defined as three or more watery stools in a day. If stools are watery, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s likely caused by something else, such as infection or food intolerance.
Other Common Causes of Diarrhea in Babies
- Viral or bacterial infections (such as rotavirus)
Infections are one of the most frequent reasons babies develop diarrhea. Viruses like rotavirus or bacteria from contaminated food, water, or surfaces can irritate the digestive system. These often come with other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or loss of appetite. - Antibiotics (can affect gut balance)
While antibiotics fight harmful bacteria, they can also disrupt the healthy bacteria in your baby’s gut. This imbalance may lead to loose stools or diarrhea. The condition usually improves once the medication is finished and gut bacteria recover. - Food intolerances (e.g., lactose intolerance)
Some babies have trouble digesting certain foods, such as dairy products containing lactose. This can cause diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort. The reaction happens when the body can’t break down the food component properly. - Excess fruit juice or sweetened drinks
Drinking too much fruit juice or sweetened beverages can overload your baby’s digestive system with sugar. This draws water into the intestines, leading to watery stools. Pediatricians recommend limiting juice intake, especially for babies under 12 months. - Parasites (less common, but possible)
Though rare, parasites such as Giardia can infect babies through contaminated water or surfaces. These infections can cause prolonged diarrhea and sometimes weight loss. Medical treatment is needed to clear the infection completely.
Can Teething Cause Dehydration or Vomiting?
Teething itself does not cause vomiting or dehydration. If your baby is showing these symptoms, it’s usually due to another illness or infection. Dehydration is a serious concern, especially if your baby is losing fluids from diarrhea or vomiting. Watch for warning signs like a dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, lack of tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly and keep your baby well-hydrated.
Teething Poop: What’s Normal and When to Worry
Some parents notice changes in their baby’s stool during teething, often described as slightly looser than usual but not watery or overly runny. Normal teething poop can still vary in color, from yellow to green to brown, and should stay within typical consistency. If stools become persistently loose for more than a couple of days, develop a sour smell, change drastically in color, or are accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, or blood, it’s time to contact your baby’s healthcare provider. These changes are often due to an unrelated illness rather than teething, so keeping an eye on hydration and seeking medical advice is key.
How to Manage Diarrhea During Teething
Even though teething isn’t the true cause of diarrhea, it’s important to manage symptoms to keep your baby comfortable and healthy:
- Keep your baby hydrated: Offer breast milk or formula more often, and if your baby is older, small sips of water or a doctor-approved electrolyte solution.
- Choose gentle foods: For babies on solids, opt for easy-to-digest options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid dairy, sugary foods, and juices that can upset the stomach.
- Protect their skin: Change diapers frequently and use a gentle diaper cream to prevent rash and irritation.
Get Immediate Care at STAT Specialty Hospital
At STAT Specialty Hospital, we want parents to know that while teething can be an uncomfortable stage, persistent diarrhea is usually linked to other causes. If your baby experiences ongoing watery stools, fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Our pediatric specialists are here to provide expert evaluation, compassionate care, and guidance to help you navigate your baby’s health milestones with confidence. With the right attention, hydration, and timely intervention, your little one can stay comfortable and thrive through every stage of development.