From the first smile to the first step, every milestone in your baby’s life is a beautiful reminder of how quickly they grow. But teething in babies can be painful. You can usually see the teething symptoms of red cheeks, drooling, rubbing their face or cheeks, constipation or diarrhoea, and nappy rash, even when the tooth or teeth are moving under the gums, so not even erupting.
You might even wonder if there is a connection between teething and digestion in babies. While these things do not directly cause digestive discomfort. You know teething can cause unsettled sleep in babies due to the pain in the gums, but what is often left unnoticed is that the changes during teething, such as increased saliva production, altered feeding, and swallowing more air, may contribute to the temporary digestive discomfort in babies.
This blog is your ultimate guide to understanding the relationship between teething and digestion in babies, learning about teething stomach problems, and discussing when gripe water for teething can soothe the mild digestive discomfort in babies.
What You Need to Know?
- Teething itself is not thought to directly affect digestion. However, babies may swallow more saliva, change their feeding habits, or chew on more objects during teething, all of which may contribute to temporary digestive discomfort.
- Irritability, crying, and changes in feeding can sometimes worsen the teething symptoms.
- Some of the common teething stomach problems include loose stools, bloating, gas, and reduced appetite.
- Gripe water can be a trusted solution for easing gas, bloating, and tummy cramps.
- Babuline gripe water is one of the trusted gripe waters used by Indian parents for baby gas and colic symptoms.
What is Teething and Digestion in Babies?
| Quick Definition
Teething is the process in which babies’ first teeth push through the gums, typically during 4 to 24 months. This process can often lead to the secretion of excessive saliva and other discomfort that can disrupt gut activity, which may contribute to the temporary digestive discomfort in babies. |
Teething and Digestion in Babies: The Connection Between Teething and Baby Tummy Pain
The swollen gums and red cheeks are some of the common symptoms parents expect during their baby’s teething stage. But what they don’t expect is the tummy issues that often come with it. So the common question that arises is, “Does teething cause stomach problems in babies?”
The short answer is that teething is not directly associated with tummy discomfort in babies, but several changes that occur during teething can cause temporary digestive problems.
Here are some changes that may occur in babies causing temporary digestive discomfort:
- Producing More Saliva: A teething baby produces more saliva than usual. This may cause temporary digestive discomfort in some babies.
- Changes in Feeding Patterns: Some gums may make feeding uncomfortable in babies. They may feed differently, swallow more air, or feed less, which may cause stomach and digestive problems.
- Mouthing Everything: You might have noticed that teething babies put anything in their mouths to ease the discomfort. This can increase the chance of bacteria entering the gut and ultimately cause tummy discomfort.
While these factors may cause discomfort in babies, these are temporary. Understanding these changes helps parents to know when to rely on home care and when to take the doctor’s advice.
Teething Stomach Problems: Why Some Babies Experience Tummy Discomfort During Teething?
Do you know why babies are fussy during teething stages? It is especially due to tummy problems. One of the key reasons is that more saliva is secreted and swallowed during teething, and this may contribute to temporary gas, bloating, and mild digestive discomfort in babies.
Human saliva contains enzymes such as amylase, but there is no good evidence that swallowed saliva speeds intestinal digestion enough to cause diarrhoea.
Some of the common teething stomach problems that parents report are:
- Loose stools(Not the type similar to infection-driven diarrhea)
- Bloating and a hard-feeling tummy.
- Reduced appetite.
- Sudden crying after feeding.
- Increased gas and trapped wind.
| What Parents Should Know
Mild stools can be normal during teething. But if your child has a high fever, blood in the stools, and diarrhea for more than 2 days, consult your pediatrician immediately. This may not be a teething symptom. |
From our experience
Teething is often associated with changes in feeding, sleep and behaviour. Some parents will notice temporary tummy troubles during this time. Teething itself is not thought to be a direct cause of digestive problems, but soothing measures to help with sore gums and mild digestive discomfort can help.
What are the Common Teething Symptoms, Causes and Remedies?
| Common Symptoms | Remedies |
| Irritability caused by the teeth erupting through the gum | Take extra time to spend with your baby, provide comfort and reassurance, helping to ease their pain |
| Excessive saliva secretion causes drooling. This can cause skin rashes due to the extra bacteria on the skin | Always have extra bibs handy. Wipe the areas to keep them dry and clean. |
| Due to the pressure inside their gums, babies often tend to bite and gnaw things. | Use safe teething toys made of rubber and BPA- free silicone. Avoid using liquid or gel-filled rings. |
| Pain in the gums can often travel to cheeks and ears, causing babies to constantly pull cheeks and rub ears. | Try to rub the gums with clean fingertips or a wet cloth. |
| Occasional coughing and gagging are seen due to the extra secretion of saliva | If the coughing is prolonged, it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician. |
| Reference: Mayo Clinic: Teething Tips for Soothing Sore Gums |
Gripe Water for Teething: How Does it Help During Teething
Gripe water is a liquid remedy usually made from natural ingredients like aniseed oil, dill, menthol, and sodium bicarbonate. It has been used for many years to ease baby colic, gas, and stomach cramps in babies.
Wondering how this gripe water helps with teething stomach problems in babies? Gripe water for babies works because it targets the digestive symptoms caused by teething. Here is how gripe water relieves the tummy discomfort due to teething:
- Releases trapped gas: Ingredients like dill and fennel help relax the intestinal muscles and let built-up gas escape easily.
- Reduces cramping: The natural antispasmodics in gripe water help to relax the intestinal spasms that cause your baby to cry after feeding.
- Neutralizes acidity: Sodium bicarbonate present in gripe water balances stomach acid, which can increase during periods of irregular feeding.
- Soothes the gut: Ginger is known to soothe gut issues, and it works for babies as well.
| Worried about your baby’s tummy discomfort during teething? Try Babuline Gripe Water– India’s trusted gripe water since 1928. |
When Tummy Troubles are Normal and When Should You Call a Doctor?
Not all the digestive symptoms during teething need a doctor’s visit, but some do.
What are the normal teething stomach problems in babies?
- Mild or watery stools.
- Slightly decreased appetite
- Fussiness, especially at night
- Increased gas and wind
What requires immediate doctor’s attention?
- Blood or mucus in the stool.
- Signs of dehydration
- Diarrhea lasting for more than 48 hours.
- Baby is inconsolable despite all the soothing techniques.
These symptoms are not caused by teething. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your baby.
What are the Common Mistakes Parents Make While Managing the Teething Digestion Problems in Babies?
- Assuming all symptoms are due to teething: Teething does not cause diarrhea and high fever.
- Switching your baby’s diet due to loose stools: Changing formulas or stopping breastfeeding during teething can cause digestion to get worse. Consistency is key, unless your doctor says no.
- Skipping winding after feeds: During teething, babies swallow more air than usual. Do not skip burping after every feed.
- Not using gripe water: Using gripe water only when the conditions become severe.
In real-world scenarios, many babies are subjected to digestive problems, especially during teething. This is simply because babies explore more objects during teething, and teething does not directly cause any illness in babies.
Final Thoughts
Teething a natural process in all babies and causes pain in the gums. Mild digestive discomfort is temporary. By choosing gentle care, you can ease the discomfort in your babies.
Babuline gripe water is thoughtfully crafted to soothe colic and mild tummy discomfort in babies. With the right paediatric guidance, you can administer it to ease the temporary teething stomach problems in babies.
If you have any concerns or if the baby’s symptoms are severe, always consult a paediatrician for professional advice.
| Disclaimer: All content in this blog represents the opinions and general observations of the author and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Teething and Digestion
1. Does teething cause fever in babies?
Teething may cause a slight rise in body temperature in babies, but it does not cause true fever. If the temperature is above 38°C or shows any signs of diarrhoea or vomiting, seek paediatric guidance immediately.
2. Is it common to have diarrhoea during teething stages in babies?
Teething is not directly associated with diarrhoea in babies. But it may occur due to diet changes or contact with more bacteria while putting objects in the mouth.
3. What are some of the common teething stomach problems seen in babies?
Some of the common teething stomach problems seen in babies are temporary changes in bowel movements, increased fussiness, gas, a hard-feeling belly, and reduced appetite.
4. Can I give gripe water to babies during teething in 2026?
Yes, gripe water from brands like Babuline is formulated from natural ingredients and is safe for babies when used with proper guidance. This also eases the tummy discomfort in babies associated with teething.