Many parents associate teething and a runny nose due to the cold-like symptoms that many children experience during that time. Babies tend to put their hands in their mouths a lot while teething due to pain and new sensations in their gums. Your hands can come into contact with a large number of germs during the day, which then get into your systems, resulting in a runny nose.
Each baby begins teething at a different age. Most babies have their first tooth cut by the seventh month. They usually receive 20 baby teeth, which are gradually replaced over the next few years by the full set of 32 adults.
The first teeth to appear are the incisors. These are the two front teeth on the upper and lower gums. The lower teeth tend to cut first. The incisors are followed by the first molars, canines, and second molars. Most children have their full set of baby teeth by age three.
A baby who is experiencing both teething and a runny nose may also be suffering from a cough and a low-grade fever. These may be signs that the child is fighting an infection or virus. The lining of the nose will start to turn yellow or green if an infection occurs and a doctor should be consulted. However, the clear mucosa of the nose and mouth can indicate that a tooth is pushing through the gums. Other symptoms of teething can include irritability, excessive biting, drooling, and pulling on the ears.
There are a variety of safe medications available for babies experiencing these cold-like symptoms. These include fever reducers and decongestants. These medications should not generally be given to children suspected of cutting a tooth. Most doctors prefer to reserve them to fight colds and viruses, and a professional should be consulted before administering the medication.
Many parents choose to deal with teething and a runny nose with natural home remedies. This includes offering the child a cold toy in the freezer or a frozen waffle to puree their gums. The cool sensation provides relief from burning pain caused by incoming teeth. Parents can also take their babies to the bathroom and run a hot bath or shower to create a lot of steam. This steam softens the sinus passages and allows the mucosa to flow freely from the nose and facilitates breathing.
There is no definitive connection between teething and a runny nose. In fact, teething has no scientific link to any accompanying symptoms. The side effects of teething are behaviors generally noticed and agreed upon by most parents. Doctors are generally hesitant to confirm any theory that associates teething with any other physiological change.