Your baby won’t stop crying. Their gums look swollen. And now their nose is running like a faucet.
Is it teething? Or is your little one getting sick?
This question keeps thousands of parents up at night. You want to help your baby feel better, but first you need to know what’s actually wrong.
Let’s clear this up once and for all.
What Is Teething Anyway?
Teething is when your baby’s first teeth break through their gums.
Most babies start teething around 4 to 7 months old. Some start earlier. Others start later. Every baby is different, and that’s completely normal.
The process hurts because a hard tooth is pushing through soft gum tissue. Think about how it would feel if something sharp poked through your skin from the inside. Not fun, right?
Teething can last until your child is about 3 years old. That’s when all 20 baby teeth usually finish coming in.
But here’s the thing. Not every fussy moment between ages 4 months and 3 years is because of teething.
What Teething Actually Does to Your Baby
Real teething symptoms are pretty straightforward:
Drooling everywhere. Your baby might soak through bibs like they’re going out of style. This happens because teething triggers extra saliva production.
Chewing on everything. Babies want to bite hard objects because the pressure feels good on sore gums. Your fingers, toys, the coffee table. Nothing is safe.
Swollen, red gums. Look in your baby’s mouth. You might see a bump where the tooth is trying to come through.
Extra fussiness. Your normally happy baby might cry more than usual. They’re uncomfortable, and they can’t tell you what’s wrong.
Sleep problems. The pain can wake them up at night. This means you’re up at night too.
Not wanting to eat. Sucking or chewing might hurt more when teeth are coming in.
Notice what’s not on this list? A runny nose.
So Can Teething Cause a Runny Nose?
Here’s the honest answer: probably not.
I know that’s not what you want to hear. Especially if your baby is teething AND has a runny nose right now.
Many parents see these two things happen at the same time and assume they’re connected. That makes sense. But scientists and doctors say there’s no real proof that teething causes runny noses.
The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t list runny nose as a teething symptom. Neither do most pediatricians.
But wait. If teething doesn’t cause it, why do so many babies get runny noses while teething?
The Real Reason Your Teething Baby Has a Runny Nose
Timing.
Babies start teething around the same age they lose protection from Mom’s antibodies. These antibodies kept them safe from germs when they were newborns.
Between 6 months and 1 year, babies start getting more colds. They’re also putting everything in their mouths to soothe sore gums. This spreads germs fast.
So your baby isn’t getting a runny nose because they’re teething. They’re getting a runny nose because they’re at the age when kids catch more colds. And they happen to be teething at the same time.
It’s like how it might rain on the same day you wear your blue shirt. The shirt didn’t cause the rain. They just happened together.
What About the Drool?
Some parents think all that drool can cause a runny nose.
Extra saliva doesn’t really travel up into the nose. But when babies drool a lot, they might get moisture around their nose and face. This can look like a runny nose, but it’s just wetness on the outside.
Also, all that drool can irritate the skin around the mouth and nose. This might make things look worse than they are.
How to Tell If It’s Teething or Something Else
This is important. You don’t want to ignore a real illness because you think it’s just teething.
Here’s how to spot the difference:
Signs It’s Probably Just Teething
Your baby’s nose isn’t running much. Maybe just a tiny bit of clear liquid.
No fever, or just a very slight temperature increase (under 100.4°F).
The fussiness gets better when you give them something cold to chew on.
You can see or feel a tooth starting to poke through the gums.
They’re drooling so much you could fill a bucket.
Signs Your Baby Might Be Sick
The runny nose won’t quit. It keeps going for days.
The mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
Your baby has a real fever over 100.4°F.
They’re coughing or sneezing a lot.
They seem really tired or weak.
They’re having trouble breathing through their nose.
The runny nose comes with other cold symptoms like watery eyes.
Still not sure? Here’s a simple test: Does your baby seem happy between crying fits? Teething babies usually have good moments. Sick babies often seem miserable all the time.
When You Need to Call the Doctor
Don’t mess around with your baby’s health. Call your pediatrician if you see:
A fever over 100.4°F that won’t go down.
A runny nose that lasts more than 10 days.
Trouble breathing or wheezing.
Your baby won’t eat or drink anything for several hours.
Extreme tiredness. They’re way sleepier than normal.
The mucus from their nose is bloody.
They pull at their ears (might be an ear infection).
You just have a gut feeling something’s wrong.
Trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone else. If something feels off, make that call to your pediatrician.
And here’s why that matters: ear infections, RSV, and other serious problems can look like simple colds at first. Better to check and be safe.
How to Help Your Teething Baby Feel Better
You can’t stop teething. But you can make your baby more comfortable.
Give them something cold to chew. Put a wet washcloth in the fridge for 30 minutes, then let them gnaw on it. Cold teething rings work great too. Just don’t freeze them solid. That’s too hard and can hurt gums even more.
Rub their gums gently. Wash your hands really well. Then use your finger to massage the sore spots. Some babies love this. Others hate it. Try it and see.
Offer safe teething toys. Look for rubber or silicone teethers made for babies. Make sure they’re big enough that your baby can’t choke on them.
Ask about pain medicine. Your doctor might say baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen is okay. Never give medicine without asking your pediatrician first. And definitely check the right dose for your baby’s weight.
What NOT to Do
Skip the numbing gels. Benzocaine products can be dangerous for babies. The FDA warns against using them.
Ditch the amber necklaces. These are choking hazards. They don’t actually help with pain either.
Don’t use frozen objects. Ice or frozen teethers are too hard. They can damage gums.
Avoid tablets or homeopathic remedies. Many haven’t been tested for safety in babies.
What to Do About That Runny Nose
Even if the runny nose isn’t from teething, you still need to deal with it.
Use a bulb syringe. These rubber suction tools can clear mucus from your baby’s nose. Squeeze the bulb first, then gently put the tip in one nostril. Release the bulb to suck out the gunk. Wash it with soap and water after each use.
Try saline drops. Put a drop or two of saline solution in each nostril before using the bulb syringe. This loosens up thick mucus. You can buy saline drops at any pharmacy.
Keep the air moist. Run a cool mist humidifier in your baby’s room. This keeps nasal passages from drying out. Clean the humidifier daily to prevent mold from growing.
Prop up the mattress slightly. Put a folded towel under the crib mattress. This tiny elevation can help mucus drain. Never put pillows in the crib with your baby.
Make sure they drink enough. Breast milk, formula, or water (if they’re old enough) can help thin mucus. Offer liquids often.
Tips to Get Through the Teething Months
This phase won’t last forever. I promise. But while you’re in it, these ideas might help:
Stay calm. Your baby can sense when you’re stressed. Take deep breaths. Ask for help when you need it.
Keep track of symptoms. Write down when you see tooth bumps, fever, runny nose, or other issues. This helps you spot patterns and gives useful info if you need to call the doctor.
Stick to checkups. Regular doctor visits help catch problems early. Don’t skip them.
Wash hands a lot. Yours and your baby’s. This stops germs from spreading and causing actual sickness on top of teething.
Give extra cuddles. Sometimes your baby just needs to know you’re there. Hold them, rock them, sing to them. Comfort matters.
Take breaks. If you’re exhausted and frustrated, put your baby somewhere safe and step away for five minutes. It’s okay to need a moment.
Questions Parents Ask All the Time
Can teething cause a runny nose and cough together?
No. If your baby has both, they probably caught a cold or virus. Coughing is never a teething symptom.
How long does each tooth take to come in?
Usually a few days to a week. But the timing varies a lot between babies.
What are the very first signs a tooth is coming?
Extra drool and wanting to chew on things. These often start before you can see anything in the gums.
Can teething cause a fever and runny nose at the same time?
Teething might cause a very slight temperature increase. But a real fever plus a runny nose means your baby is probably sick, not just teething.
Is a clear runny nose different from a colored one?
Yes. Clear and watery usually means a cold just started or allergies. Thick yellow or green mucus often means a bacterial infection.
When do most babies get their first tooth?
Around 6 months old. But anywhere from 3 months to 12 months is normal.
The Bottom Line
Teething doesn’t cause runny noses. It causes drooling, fussiness, swollen gums, and the urge to chew on everything.
If your baby has a runny nose, they probably caught a bug. This isn’t your fault. Babies get sick. It just happens.
The good news? You can help with both problems. Use cold teething toys for sore gums. Use saline drops and a bulb syringe for the stuffy nose.
Watch for warning signs that mean you need medical help. High fever, trouble breathing, or a runny nose that won’t quit all need a doctor’s attention.
And when you’re not sure what’s going on? Call your pediatrician. That’s what they’re there for.
You’re doing a great job. Taking care of a teething baby with a runny nose is hard work. But this phase will pass. Soon you’ll be dealing with a toddler who won’t stop running around instead.
Trust yourself. You’ve got this.
