Teething typically begins around 3 months of age and continues until 2 or 3 years old, when all 20 baby teeth have finished erupting through the gums. Teething is often an unpleasant experience for infants and their parents, resulting in sleepless nights, increased crying and sore gums. Some infants may become congested when cutting teeth, although experts disagree as to whether teething itself is responsible for the increase in nasal and sinus stuffiness, or if teething-related behaviors and environmental factors are to blame. Treatment of teething and congestion involves decreasing head stuffiness to improve breathing and comfort.
Expert Insight
Not all experts agree on the association between congestion and teething. Some, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association, state that normal teething does not cause or worsen nasal or sinus congestion in infants. Because of this, congestion in an infant of any age, especially when the symptom is chronic or interferes with breathing, eating or sleeping, will perform a complete examination to rule out other possible causes of nasal or sinus symptoms.
Symptoms
In addition to the more common symptoms of teething, such as drooling, gum swelling, sleep difficulties and irritability, some teething babies may develop a stuffy nose or sinus congestion and pressure, similar to the symptoms caused by a cold virus. This congestion may be mild or it may be more severe and interfere with nose breathing, especially when the infant is sleeping on her back. Some infants may alternate between a runny nose and a stuffy nose or head.
Causes
Congestion during teething may be a result of infection with a cold or other virus. Because teething babies tend to chew on items in their environment, viral infection during this time is common, and unrelated colds and other illnesses may be erroneously attributed to teething, according to Fox Chase Pediatrics. Congestion may also develop in response to the use of certain teething gels and medications.
Treatment
A humidifier placed inside the infant's bedroom at night can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion. When congestion interferes with sleep, an over-the-counter decongestant may be beneficial. Nasal congestion can usually be suctioned from the nose using a bulb syringe, and analgesic ear drops may help reduce ear pain and pressure caused by sinus congestion. Speak with your baby's pediatrician before administering any medications.
Considerations
When other symptoms of illness or infection are present along with congestion, such as fever, diarrhea, rash, lethargy or other symptoms, a teething infant requires a complete medical evaluation. In some cases, the symptoms of teething can mask an underlying illness or problem, such as an ear infection, that is responsible for the congestion and requires professional treatment. Teething does not cause high fever or severe congestion.
