The teething process, when a baby's primary teeth emerge through the gums, can turn a previously happy and restful baby into an uncomfortable and cranky child. Teething children experience a host of symptoms, including sore gums, excessive salivation, the urge to chew and general crankiness. Teething symptoms generally involve the mouth, but some children do experience upset stomach and diarrhea while teething.
Teething
Babies usually begin teething by 6 months of age. Teeth generally emerge in a predictable pattern, with bottom incisors coming in first, followed by the top two incisors and working back. By 3 years old, children should have all 20 primary teeth. The teething process can cause swollen and sore gums, often resulting in excessive drool.
Upset Stomach
While teething itself does not cause stomachache, health experts such as Dr. William Sears say the excessive saliva that is swallowed can cause mild diarrhea. The diarrhea and possible upset stomach should only last for a couple of days. Some children might pass up eating or show a decreased appetite while eating; others might seek to nurse more often as a means of comfort.
Treatments
Diarrhea or upset stomach related to teething is rarely serious enough to need special treatments, according to Dr. Sears. Offer mild foods to avoid exacerbating the diarrhea. Serving cool foods such as applesauce or mashed bananas on a chilled spoon helps relieve gum pain. Fruit juices can loosen stools, so avoid giving your child juice or dilute it with water. Use a barrier cream or ointment on the baby's bottom to help prevent diaper rash during periods of diarrhea.
Precautions
While teething might produce mild diarrhea and upset stomach, other more serious issues could be the cause of such symptoms. Persistent diarrhea and stomach pain should not be blamed on teething. Babies with lasting or severe diarrhea and upset stomach should see a doctor who can diagnose other health problems, including bacterial infections in the intestines. Children with a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or lasting for more than 24 hours should also see a doctor.
