“The baby is teething, that’s why he has loose motions and a running nose.” This is one of the most common beliefs among parents and grandparents. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia explains what teething really causes, what it doesn’t, and why this belief can sometimes be harmful.

What teething can cause. When teeth push through the gums, usually between 6 months and 2 years of age, babies may have drooling, swollen or tender gums, irritability and crying, chewing on fingers and toys, disturbed sleep, reduced appetite, and sometimes a slight rise in temperature. These symptoms are usually mild and last a few days around the time a tooth comes out.

What teething does not cause. Teething does not cause diarrhoea, vomiting, high fever, cold, cough or breathing problems. Studies of babies during teething have not found a link with these illnesses.

Then why do babies fall sick during teething? It’s a matter of timing. Between 6 months and 2 years, the protective antibodies a baby receives from the mother start to fade, while the baby’s own immunity is still developing. At the same age, babies start crawling, touching everything and putting hands and toys into their mouths. This exposes them to viruses and germs, which cause loose motions, cold and cough. Because teething happens during the same period, the illness is wrongly blamed on teeth.

Why this belief can be dangerous. If diarrhoea or fever is dismissed as “just teething”, a real infection may be missed, and the baby may become dehydrated or seriously ill.

See a doctor if your baby has:

• Diarrhoea or vomiting, especially with fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth or no tears
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or any fever in a baby under 3 months
• Cough, fast breathing or difficulty breathing
• Unusual drowsiness, poor feeding or constant crying

Safe ways to ease teething discomfort. Gently rub the gums with a clean finger, give a chilled (not frozen) teething ring, and offer cool, soft foods if the baby has started solids. Give paracetamol only if advised by your doctor, in the correct dose. Avoid numbing gels unless prescribed, and never use amber teething necklaces or tie anything around the baby’s neck, as they carry a risk of choking and strangulation.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com