Can Teething Cause Diarrhoea?

Noticed your little one sprouting new teeth and suddenly things are a bit, well, messy in the nappy department? Many parents wonder if teething and diarrhoea really go hand in hand, or if the two are just coincidentally timed. While both teething and diarrhoea during teething periods are pretty common on their own, it’s super helpful to know what’s down to teething and what could be caused by something else. Here’s what you actually need to know.

What Are Typical Teething Symptoms?

When your baby’s teeth are starting to break through, you might spot some new behaviours. Don’t be surprised if your little one shows a few – or even all – of these classic teething signs:

• Extra dribble everywhere

• Swollen gums, maybe a bit red or sore

• Mood swings or fussiness

• Wanting to chew or bite on things

• Slightly warmer than usual, but not a proper fever.

Discover more about the symptoms of teething in our dedicated guide.

Is There a Link: Teething and Diarrhoea?

Let’s bust a myth: does teething give you diarrhoea? Teething itself isn’t actually a direct cause of diarrhoea. But, some babies may have changes in their poo around the time their teeth come in – often because that non-stop dribbling means they’re swallowing loads more saliva, which can sometimes make their stools a bit looser.

In medical speak, diarrhoea means three or more extra-runny poos a day. If you notice this, it’s probably not teething alone, but something else is likely going on. Still, many parents ask: 'Do babies get diarrhoea when teething? ' Loose stools may coincide with teething, but true diarrhoea usually suggests another cause.

Reasons Why Your Baby Might Have Diarrhoea:

If your baby has diarrhoea during teething or any other time, keep a close eye and consult your health visitor or GP to check what’s up.

Can Teething Lead to Dehydration or Vomiting?

Teething doesn’t bring on vomiting or dehydration. If your baby is being sick or seems to be dehydrated (think sunken cheeks, dry lips, hardly any tears, or fewer wet nappies), it’s likely something else is causing it, especially if it’s teamed up with diarrhoea. Always make sure your baby’s getting plenty of fluids and ring your health professional if you’re worried about dehydration.

What About Fevers and Teething?

Lots of us have heard that teething causes fevers, but actually, it doesn’t usually lead to anything above a mild temperature (nothing over 38°C). If your baby is running a higher fever, it's likely caused by an unrelated illness. Check in with your GP or another health professional if a high temperature shows up, especially with other symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting. Read our guide to find out more about teething and fevers.

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Can Teething Really Cause a Fever?

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What Does ‘Teething Poop’ Look Like?

Some parents notice changes in their baby’s nappies when teeth are popping through. If anything, teething poo might be a bit looser than usual, but shouldn’t be overly runny or watery (that’s proper diarrhoea). The colour may vary, but it typically stays within the normal range of yellow, green or brown. However, a significant change in the colour, consistency or smell of your baby's poop, such as foul-smelling poo, could be a sign of an underlying issue and not directly related to teething. It’s always safest to check with your health professional.

How Long Can Diarrhoea During Teething Last?

If your baby has diarrhoea while teething, remember: the teething itself isn't the main culprit. If runny nappies do show up, keep a note of how long it lasts. If you’re dealing with more than 2–3 days of diarrhoea during teething or it’s paired with things like fever or being sick, definitely get in touch with a health professional to rule out anything more serious and keep your little one hydrated.

How to Treat Diarrhoea if it Happens While Teething

When your baby does get diarrhoea (whether teething or not), here are some handy tips to keep them comfortable and speed up recovery:

When Should You Call Your Health Professional?

Most teething issues are nothing to worry about, but there are times you should contact your healthcare professional. If your baby has:

• High temperature: A slight rise is fine, but anything above 38°C should be checked out by a health professional.

• Proper diarrhoea: A bit looser is normal, but watery, frequent nappies aren’t down to teething alone and could mean illness.

• Vomiting or lethargy: Teething alone doesn’t cause vomiting or extreme illness. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

• Blood in the diarrhoea: call your healthcare professional immediately.

If you’re ever in doubt, trust your gut – your instincts are usually spot on. If it doesn’t seem right, reach out to your GP or another health professional.

The Bottom Line

Teething and diarrhoea can be a challenge, but knowing what’s just par for the course – and what’s not – helps you feel more relaxed. If you need more ideas to soothe your teething baby, read our handy guide.

Remember, you can get rewards on all your Pampers nappies and wipes – just download the Pampers Club app to get started. Every little win in parenthood is worth celebrating!