Understanding the journey of your little one’s growth, especially teething, can be an exciting and simultaneously challenging experience.
One question parents often ask is: Can teething cause vomiting in babies?
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the answers related to teething and vomiting symptoms, remedies, and expert advice to help you navigate this critical phase in your baby’s life!
Teething 101
Teething is a natural milestone in your baby’s life, typically beginning around six months of age.
It’s when your little one’s first pearly whites make their grand appearance, breaking through the gums.
The first ones to show up are usually the two bottom front teeth, followed by the four top front teeth.
After the initial set, pairs of teeth continue to pop up symmetrically on both sides of your child’s mouth until all their primary teeth (20 in total) come in.
This process continues until your child is about two to three years old. However, the teething period can vary significantly between different children.
Is Your Baby Teething? Watch for These Signs!
Identifying the symptoms of teething can be a bit tricky, especially for first-time parents.
Some common symptoms include:
- Fussiness
- Reduced appetite
- Excessive drooling
- Red or swollen gums
- Increased focus on chewing or biting objects
If your baby exhibits these signs, there’s a good chance they’re teething. But what about vomiting? Can teething cause vomiting in babies?
Is Vomiting a Sign of Teething?
While teething might cause a bit of discomfort, vomiting is not a direct result of teething.
Excessive drooling during teething can irritate the stomach lining for some babies, causing mild nausea.
However, if your baby is vomiting persistently, it’s important to seek medical advice as it could indicate an underlying condition like an infection.
Remedies for Teething and Vomiting
As your baby is teething and possibly vomiting, it’s essential to focus on their oral health and overall well-being.
Here are some safe and recommended teething relief options:
- Cold food: Refrigerated items like applesauce, yogurt, and cold fruit (if they’re old enough for solids)
- Chilled cloth: Wet and chill a cloth in the refrigerator for under 30 minutes, and your child will find relief chewing on it.
- Teething rings and toys: These can be refrigerated to provide relief, but avoid freezing ones with gel, rubber, or other sensitive materials.
- Teething biscuits: If your child is eight to 12 months of age, it might be a great time to start using these.
For vomiting, keeping the child hydrated, allowing them to rest, and resuming their typical diet once 12-24 hours have passed since they last vomited can aid recovery.
How to Manage Vomiting During Teething
Managing the symptoms of teething and vomiting requires a combination of home remedies and possibly over-the-counter medication.
Here are some practical tips:
- Gum massage: Gently rubbing the gums with a clean finger or moistened gauze pad can alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Cool temperatures: Apply a cold compress, chilled spoon, or teething ring to the gums.
- Hard foods: Infants on solid foods may get relief from chewing on a piece of chilled cucumber or carrot, but be sure to monitor them for choking risks.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medication: If your baby is particularly irritable, an OTC pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide temporary relief.
What to Avoid During Teething and Vomiting
While managing teething and vomiting, it’s crucial to avoid certain remedies and practices:
- Teething gels: These are not recommended due to potential side effects.
- Teething necklaces: These are not FDA-approved and have been associated with choking hazards.
- Topicals with lidocaine and benzocaine: These should be avoided as they have been associated with adverse effects.
Finding Relief from Teething and Vomiting at Night
Teething and vomiting symptoms can often become more apparent at night, leading to sleepless nights for both the baby and the parents.
To provide relief, maintain a calm and comforting bedtime routine, offer a teething toy or a cold compress for gum relief, and make sure the baby is well-hydrated.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Vomiting associated with teething becomes a matter of concern if it lasts for more than a brief episode or if it co-occurs with other symptoms.
Some alarming indicators that warrant medical attention include:
- Green-colored vomit
- Projectile vomiting
- Dry diapers for over six hours ( which indicaties decreased urination)
- A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit lasting for over three days
- Signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, dry mouth, cold extremities, or unusual lethargy)
- Constant diarrhea
Always reach out to your pediatrician if you notice any concerning symptoms in your child.
These are not typical teething symptoms and could indicate other health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does teething sickness look like?
When a baby is teething, you might notice they’re fussier than usual, have trouble sleeping, and their gums look red and swollen. They might also drool a lot, not want to eat, get a rash near their mouth, run a low fever, have loose stools, and tend to bite or rub their gums and ears.
How long does teething sickness last?
Usually, a low fever starts around a day before the new tooth comes in and ends once the tooth breaks through the gums. There’s really no way to stop this kind of fever; it’ll naturally go away in a day or two on its own.
What stage of teething hurts the most?
Stage 5 of teething is often the most painful time for babies, and it occurs around 25-33 months.
What can cause vomiting in babies?
Babies can throw up for many reasons, like catching a bug, feeling car sick, being stressed out, crying too much, having a food allergy, getting a head injury, suffering from a bad headache, having a blocked gut, or swallowing something harmful.
How to tell the difference between a teething baby and a sick baby?
Teething might make a baby a bit warmer and fussier than usual, but if you notice major changes in how your baby sleeps, eats, or acts, it’s probably because they’re sick, not because they’re teething.
Wrapping it Up
Teething is a natural process that can bring mild discomfort to your little one. However, it’s crucial to remember that symptoms like vomiting, high fever, or inconsolable crying are not typical of teething and warrant a doctor’s attention.
With the right knowledge and guidance, you can ensure this phase is as comfortable as possible for your baby.
Stay patient, stay informed, and most importantly, stay supportive.
After all, your little one is taking their first bite into the world, and they need you by their side, every step of the way!
