Diarrhea is a condition commonly found in growing babies. The reason for this is that babies usually crawl around and take in unwanted germs that upset their stomachs. This condition is not uncommon in teething babies. The causes of this, however, can vary from a change in diet, increased drool or taking in germs through the things that they put in their mouths. When baby start teething, diarrhea can cause bacterial infections and dehydration in a baby, which is why it is important to take measures against these.
Is Diarrhea a Symptom of Teething?
It is still under speculation as to whether there is any direct relation between teething and diarrhea. In most cases when a child starts teething, diarrhea is usually followed after. This causes the parents to believe that the two incidents are directly related to one another.
However, doctors are of the strong belief that this is not the case. Even the idea that the excess drool in a baby’s gums caused by teething somehow affects the gastrointestinal system is a big shot in the dark. There is little evidence that these two occurrences naturally coincide.
Nevertheless, the most popular explanation for this fact is that when a baby is teething he or she tends to pick up random things and put them in the mouth. This leads to certain unwanted germs entering the body. These bacteria would have not found their way in their body through any other approach.
There is also the added fact that during the first few years of a child’s life many infections may occur simultaneously with teething. These infections, although completely unrelated, might find themselves be associated with teething. When a child is six months to two years old, many infections come and go including ear infections, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal infections. Some of these may have no relation with teething, but many parents attribute them to it.
This, however, can be very dangerous. Confusing a regular infection or symptom as a harmless side effect of teething might cause the parents to relax. This may cause them to overlook any bigger problems caused by the infections or to be careless towards it. This may also stop them from seeking medical attention when it is most needed.
The best way to avoid such situations is to look after your child at all times. It is imperative to make sure your child is only placing clean, germ-free things in his or her mouth to sooth the pain. By keeping the unwanted germs at bay, you can avoid teething diarrhea and the harmful effects that come with it.
What Are Teething Symptoms?
Teething symptoms in babies are relatively hard to trace or keep a record of. The matter is still under serious speculation whether teething really has any symptoms or not. As mentioned before, many occurrences that happen during teething might just be regular infections side lined in the name of teething. These can include a higher than usual fever, diarrhea and irritation. This is further emphasized by the fact that some babies get through the ordeal of teething without experiencing any problems. In any case, a few symptoms are universally acknowledged as symptoms of teething in children are:
|
Symptoms |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
|
Drooling |
This particular symptom is said to be the cause of several other ailments including diarrhea and facial rash. The excessive drooling might gather itself up in the stomach and cause loose stools. |
|
Gum swelling |
As teeth are trying to push themselves out of the gums of an infant, they become swollen and irritable causing pain and discomfort. |
|
Gum sensitivity |
It is quite natural that gums become sensitive when the teeth in them become active. They become sore, swollen and red causing irritation. This makes the baby miserable and causes her to pick up anything to chew or suckle on that might ease the pain. |
|
Irritability or fussiness |
This is the result of all the symptoms combined. Your baby becomes prone to crying through the day and waking up regularly in the nights. The baby finds discomfort in everything and seems antsy all the time. |
|
Biting |
Teething causes babies irritation in their gums, which provokes them to bite on things and make more use of their gums that are experiencing discomfort. It is a natural reflex for them. |
|
Refusing food |
This or a change in diet occurs when a child is teething. |
|
Sleep problems |
Due to the disrupted routine and the other symptoms combined, sleep becomes a problem for the baby. Most bawl through the night and find it hard to rest for a few hours straight undisturbed. |
Important Notes:
It is also possible that the stress that encompasses your child during teething makes him or her more exposed to illnesses. Others say that the immune system may also suffer and weaken during a baby’s teething days causing other infections to find home. It is always best to call a doctor if these symptoms seem to be escalating.
How to Deal with Babies' Teething Diarrhea?
|
Methods |
Descriptions |
|---|---|
|
Change baby foods |
Reduce the amount of juice intake of your baby. Give your child more milk and frequently feed your child formula. It is important to make sure you baby’s intake of fluids is more than enough. In case of dehydration, immediately take your baby to the doctor. A change in diet also occurs during teething. Parents tend to give the baby foods that would make the process easier, this intake of food needs to be carefully monitored. Fruits and vegetables like carrots and bananas help with teething diarrhea. Rice cereals and potatoes also help minimize the condition and its effects. |
|
Sanitize objects |
When a baby is teething, he or she picks up random things on the ground and puts them in their mouth. This can cause several infections. To avoid this, make sure you watch the baby at all times and keep all dirty things out of the baby’s reach. This includes things such as pet toys, shoes and day-to-day things such as a remote control. Give your baby a teething ring to chew on. |
|
See a doctor |
If the symptoms do not go away and take a serious turn, then go visit a doctor. Do not take these symptoms lightly as they might cause serious health issues. In case of a virus or bacteria, the doctor can prescribe a medicine that can help treat the condition. |
Important Notes:
Contact a pediatrician in case your child is experiencing diarrhea once or twice a month. Dehydration is very dangerous for infants, which is why you do not hesitate in calling your doctor if your baby exhibits the following symptoms:
- Baby’s urine turns black, and there are fewer diaper changes
- Fewer tears and dry mouth
- High fever
- Irritation, lethargy and a lot of crying
If you want to get more information about how to deal with teething diarrhea, you can watch the video below:
