Does Teething Cause Diarrhea?
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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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.
Tummy Massage for Baby Gas
Gentle abdominal massage can help relieve gas and discomfort in babies by encouraging gas to move through the intestines. The technique involves gentle clockwise circular motions on the belly (following the direction of the digestive tract), the "I Love U" stroke pattern, and gentle knee-to-tummy movements. Massage also provides comforting touch that can soothe a fussy baby.