Does Teething Cause Diarrhea?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Digestive issues are common in infants and toddlers. If your baby is experiencing does teething cause diarrhea, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
While many parents report looser stools during teething, research does not support a direct causal link between teething and diarrhea. Teething occurs at the same age that babies lose maternal antibodies and start putting everything in their mouths, increasing infection risk. True watery diarrhea during teething should not be dismissed and may indicate an infection.
Key takeaways
- While many parents report looser stools during teething, research does not support a direct causal link between teething and diarrhea. Teething occurs at the same age that babies lose maternal antibodies and start putting everything in their mouths, increasing infection risk. True watery diarrhea during teething should not be dismissed and may indicate an infection.
- Usually normal when: Slightly softer or more frequent stools during active teething that are not watery
- Call your doctor if: Watery diarrhea with blood, mucus, or foul smell during teething, which suggests an infection
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The biggest concern with vomiting is dehydration. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so it's important to replace fluids. Offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution frequently.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, while many parents report looser stools during teething, research does not support a direct causal link between teething and diarrhea. Teething occurs at the same age that babies lose maternal antibodies and start putting everything in their mouths, increasing infection risk. True watery diarrhea during teething should not be dismissed and may indicate an infection. At 0-3 months, teething before 3 months is uncommon. Diarrhea in young infants should not be attributed to teething and warrants medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by fever or poor feeding. It is generally considered normal when slightly softer or more frequent stools during active teething that are not watery. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if watery diarrhea with blood, mucus, or foul smell during teething, which suggests an infection.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Teething before 3 months is uncommon. Diarrhea in young infants should not be attributed to teething and warrants medical evaluation, especially if accompanied by fever or poor feeding.
3-6 months
This is when teething typically begins. Studies show that while drooling, gum rubbing, and mild fussiness are associated with teething, diarrhea and high fever are not. If your baby has watery diarrhea, look for other causes such as a viral infection or dietary change rather than attributing it to teething.
6-12 months
Teething peaks during this period, coinciding with increased exposure to pathogens from mouthing objects and the introduction of new foods. Slightly looser stools may occur from swallowing excess saliva, but true diarrhea with watery, frequent stools is more likely from a virus and should not be ignored.
12-24 months
Toddlers continue to teethe with their molars. If diarrhea occurs during teething, it is important to stay hydrated and monitor for signs of infection. Do not let teething be a catch-all explanation for diarrhea that persists more than a day or two.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed does teething cause diarrhea and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if diarrhea during teething that is watery, frequent, or lasting more than 2 to 3 days.
- Mention if you want to discuss whether your baby's symptoms are truly related to teething or something else.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Slightly softer or more frequent stools during active teething that are not watery
- One to two days of mildly loose stool that resolves on its own
- Diarrhea during teething that is watery, frequent, or lasting more than 2 to 3 days
- You want to discuss whether your baby's symptoms are truly related to teething or something else
- Watery diarrhea with blood, mucus, or foul smell during teething, which suggests an infection
- Diarrhea with high fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration regardless of teething status
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice does teething cause diarrhea — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that slightly softer or more frequent stools during active teething that are not watery — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Keep your baby upright for 20-30 minutes after feeding. Note any patterns between feeds and symptoms.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if watery diarrhea with blood, mucus, or foul smell during teething, which suggests an infection.
Related Conditions
Baby Diarrhea
Baby diarrhea is defined as a sudden increase in the frequency and wateriness of stools compared to your baby's normal pattern. Breastfed babies naturally have loose, seedy stools, which is not diarrhea. True diarrhea in babies is most often caused by a viral infection and usually resolves on its own, but preventing dehydration is the most important thing you can do.
Diarrhea When Starting New Foods
Some change in stool consistency when introducing new foods is completely normal as your baby's digestive system adjusts. True diarrhea (watery, much more frequent than usual) after a specific food may indicate a food intolerance or sensitivity. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days to identify any reactions.
Stomach Bug Timeline in Baby
A typical stomach virus (gastroenteritis) in babies lasts 1 to 3 days for vomiting and 5 to 7 days for diarrhea, though some viruses can cause diarrhea lasting up to 2 weeks. The most important thing is to maintain hydration during this time. Your baby is usually most contagious in the first few days of symptoms.
Related Resources
Diarrhea Decision Tree
Evaluate diarrhea severity, dehydration risk, and when to act.
Poop Color & Texture Guide
What your baby's poop color and consistency mean, and when to worry.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is does teething cause diarrhea normal?
When should I call the doctor about does teething cause diarrhea?
When is does teething cause diarrhea normal?
What causes does teething cause diarrhea?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about does teething cause diarrhea?
Is does teething cause diarrhea normal at 0-3 months?
Is does teething cause diarrhea normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for does teething cause diarrhea?
Does does teething cause diarrhea go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Does Teething Cause Diarrhea?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed does teething cause diarrhea and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if diarrhea during teething that is watery, frequent, or lasting more than 2 to 3 days.
- Mention if you want to discuss whether your baby's symptoms are truly related to teething or something else.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Diarrhea during teething that is watery, frequent, or lasting more than 2 to 3 days
- You want to discuss whether your baby's symptoms are truly related to teething or something else
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Watery diarrhea with blood, mucus, or foul smell during teething, which suggests an infection
- Diarrhea with high fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration regardless of teething status
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of does teething cause diarrhea are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if watery diarrhea with blood, mucus, or foul smell during teething, which suggests an infection.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Digestive Concerns
Baby Diarrhea
Baby diarrhea is defined as a sudden increase in the frequency and wateriness of stools compared to your baby's normal pattern. Breastfed babies naturally have loose, seedy stools, which is not diarrhea. True diarrhea in babies is most often caused by a viral infection and usually resolves on its own, but preventing dehydration is the most important thing you can do.
Diarrhea When Starting New Foods
Some change in stool consistency when introducing new foods is completely normal as your baby's digestive system adjusts. True diarrhea (watery, much more frequent than usual) after a specific food may indicate a food intolerance or sensitivity. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days to identify any reactions.
Stomach Bug Timeline in Baby
A typical stomach virus (gastroenteritis) in babies lasts 1 to 3 days for vomiting and 5 to 7 days for diarrhea, though some viruses can cause diarrhea lasting up to 2 weeks. The most important thing is to maintain hydration during this time. Your baby is usually most contagious in the first few days of symptoms.
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
Can Antibiotics Damage My Baby's Gut?
Antibiotics can temporarily disrupt your baby's gut microbiome, which may cause loose stools, fussiness, or diaper rash during and shortly after treatment. However, when antibiotics are medically necessary, the benefits of treating the infection far outweigh the temporary gut disruption. Most babies' microbiomes recover within weeks to months, especially with breastfeeding and a gradual return to normal feeding patterns.