Can Teething Cause A Toddler To Throw Up? Explained

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Can Teething Cause A Toddler To Throw Up? Explained

Can teething cause a toddler to throw up? While many parents wonder this, vomiting is usually not a direct symptom of teething itself. Teething is the process of teeth pushing through gums, which causes local irritation and discomfort. If a child vomits while teething, it’s more likely due to another reason, such as swallowing excess saliva, putting dirty hands or toys in their mouth, or a common childhood illness unrelated to the new tooth.

Comprehending Teething

Teething is a natural part of a baby or toddler’s growth. It happens when new teeth break through the gums. This process can start as early as a few months old and continue until around age 2 or 3.

The Basic Teething Process

New teeth form under the gums. They slowly move up. The final step is pushing through the gum line. This push causes swelling and pain. It can be tough for little ones.

Common Ages for Teething

Most babies get their first tooth around 6 months. But this varies a lot. Some are earlier, some later.
By age 3, most children have all their primary teeth. The back molars are often the last teeth to come in. These can be the most painful.

Typical Teething Symptoms

Teething causes specific signs. These signs show the tooth is on its way. Knowing these helps parents tell teething from sickness.

• Sore or Swollen Gums: The area where the tooth is coming in looks red and puffy. It can be painful to the touch.
• Crankiness: Toddlers can be fussy or irritable. The pain makes them unhappy.
• Chewing: They want to chew on anything they can find. This pressure on the gums can feel good.
• Drooling: There is much more saliva than usual. This is very common with teething.
• Slight Fever: A mild rise in body temperature might happen. This is usually low grade, under 101°F (38.3°C). A high fever is usually not teething.
• Changes in Sleep: Pain can make it hard to sleep. Toddlers might wake up more often at night.
• Changes in Eating: Some toddlers refuse food. Eating might hurt their sore gums.

These are the most common signs. It’s important to know what is typical. Other teething symptoms are usually linked to the mouth and gums.

Is Vomiting a Sign of Teething? Deciphering the Link

As mentioned before, vomiting is not a standard or direct symptom of teething. When a tooth pushes through the gum, it doesn’t directly affect the stomach or cause vomiting. The body’s reaction to teething is local to the mouth area.

So, if you see vomiting, it’s wise to look for other reasons. Vomiting causes in toddlers are varied. They often point to something else going on.

While teething itself doesn’t cause vomiting, some indirect links are sometimes discussed. Let’s look at these carefully.

Investigating Indirect Connections

Sometimes, things that happen because of teething might seem linked to vomiting. But these links are not direct cause and effect. They are more about secondary effects or mistaken identity with other issues.

• Excess Saliva and Gagging: Teething causes lots of drool. Toddlers swallow this extra saliva. Swallowing too much can sometimes make a child gag. The gagging reflex teething is a real thing. It’s caused by the volume of liquid. Gagging can sometimes lead to spitting up or even vomiting in sensitive children. But this is from the action of gagging, not the tooth pushing through. It’s the effect of the symptom (drooling), not the teething itself.
• Swallowing Saliva and Stomach Upset: Some believe swallowing lots of saliva can upset a toddler’s stomach. This excess liquid might change the stomach’s acidity slightly. This could potentially worsen issues like acid reflux teething symptoms. If a toddler already has reflux, more swallowed saliva might make them spit up more or feel nauseous. However, for most toddlers, swallowing saliva does not cause vomiting. It usually just passes through.
• Putting Things in the Mouth: Teething toddlers want to chew. They put everything in their mouth. Their own hands, toys, things found on the floor. These items can carry germs. Introducing germs into the mouth and stomach can easily lead to sickness. This sickness can cause vomiting. In this case, the vomiting is caused by the germs, not the teething. Chewing is a symptom of teething, but it’s the action of chewing on dirty things that causes the problem. This falls under vomiting causes in toddlers like infections.
• Mild Fever and Nausea: Teething can cause a slight fever. Sometimes, any kind of mild discomfort or feverishness can make a child feel a bit off. This might include feeling a bit nauseous. However, significant teething fever nausea leading to vomiting is uncommon. If a fever is high (over 101°F or 38.3°C) or if nausea and vomiting are strong, it’s much more likely a sign of a virus or other illness. Teething fever is typically low-grade and doesn’t usually cause nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea Related to Teething: Like vomiting, diarrhea is often linked to teething by parents. But like vomiting, the link is usually indirect. Swallowed saliva can loosen stools. Also, germs from chewing on things cause infections, which can lead to diarrhea related to teething. Vomiting and diarrhea often happen together when a child has a stomach bug. If a toddler has both, it’s very likely a virus, not teething. Teething and digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea are most often explained by these indirect factors or by other common illnesses.

Pinpointing Real Vomiting Causes in Toddlers

Since teething itself doesn’t usually cause vomiting, it’s important to know what does. Vomiting is a common symptom in young children. It has many causes. Most are related to illness.

Here are typical vomiting causes in toddlers:

• Viruses: This is the most common reason. Stomach viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus) cause sudden vomiting, often with diarrhea and fever. Colds or flu can also cause vomiting, especially with lots of mucus being swallowed.
• Food Poisoning: Eating contaminated food can cause quick vomiting. This usually happens within hours of eating the bad food.
• Food Allergies or Intolerances: Reactions to certain foods can cause vomiting. This might happen every time the child eats that food.
• Acid Reflux: Some toddlers have reflux, where stomach contents come back up. Teething might make this seem worse due to swallowed saliva, but the root cause is reflux.
• Coughing: Strong coughing fits can trigger the gag reflex and lead to vomiting, especially if there is lots of mucus.
• Swallowing Something Bad: If a toddler swallows a small object or something harmful, it can cause vomiting.
• Motion Sickness: Traveling in a car can make some children vomit.
• Other Infections: Ear infections, strep throat, or even kidney infections can sometimes cause vomiting in toddlers.
• Crying: Very intense or prolonged crying can sometimes lead to gagging and vomiting.

Comparing these to typical teething symptoms helps clarify. Teething symptoms are focused on the mouth area. Vomiting symptoms point to issues in the stomach or body-wide infections.

When Toddler Vomiting is Serious: Signs to Watch For

While occasional spitting up or vomiting might not be serious, sometimes it’s a sign of a bigger problem. It’s important to know when toddler vomiting is serious and when to seek medical help.

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if your toddler shows any of these signs:

• Signs of Dehydration: This is the biggest worry with vomiting. Watch for:
  • Less frequent peeing (fewer wet diapers or trips to the potty).
  • Dry mouth and lips.
  • No tears when crying.
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Skin that stays “tented” when gently pinched.
  • Being unusually sleepy or hard to wake up.
  • Pale or cool skin.
• High Fever: A temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher. Teething fever is usually low.
• Vomiting that Won’t Stop: Throwing up many times over several hours, or vomiting forcefully (projectile vomiting).
• Vomit Color: Vomit that is green, yellow-green (bile), or contains blood.
• Severe Pain: Complaining of bad stomach pain.
• Stiff Neck or Headache: Especially with fever. These can be signs of serious infections.
• Rash: A rash with fever and vomiting needs checking.
• Difficulty Breathing: Or fast breathing.
• Seems Very Sick: Much more listless, weak, or irritable than usual.

If your toddler only vomited once or twice but seems otherwise fine, is active, and drinking fluids, it might not be serious. But always trust your gut. If you are worried, it’s always best to call your doctor for advice.

Comforting Your Little One: Teething Remedies for Discomfort

Even though vomiting isn’t a direct teething symptom, teething itself causes real discomfort. Helping your toddler feel better during teething can ease their overall distress. This might make them less likely to put dirty things in their mouth, for example, indirectly reducing a potential cause of vomiting.

Here are some safe and simple teething remedies for discomfort:

• Chewing on Safe Items:
  • Teething Rings: Offer chilled (not frozen solid, as this can hurt gums) rubber or silicone teething rings.
  • Wet Washcloth: A clean wet washcloth kept in the fridge can be soothing to chew on.
  • Firm Rubber Toys: Ensure they are clean and designed for chewing.
• Gum Massage: Gently rubbing your toddler’s gums with a clean finger can provide relief.
• Cold Foods: If your toddler eats solids, offer cold purees (like apple sauce or yogurt) or even frozen fruit in a mesh feeder (like a frozen banana piece). Be careful with choking hazards.
• Pain Relief Medicine: If your toddler is very uncomfortable, you can give a dose of infant or children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). Always follow the dose instructions on the package for their age and weight. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure. Do not use aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Extra Cuddles: Sometimes, just being held and comforted helps a lot.
• Wipe Away Drool: Keep the skin around their mouth dry to prevent rash, which can add to discomfort.

Things to Avoid:

• Teething Gels with Benzocaine: The FDA advises against these. They can cause a rare but serious condition.
• Homeopathic Teething Tablets: These have been found to contain varying amounts of belladonna, which can be harmful.
• Amber Teething Necklaces/Bracelets: These are choking and strangulation hazards. They are not recommended.

Offering comfort for teething pain is important. But remember, these remedies help with the gum pain and fussiness. They won’t stop vomiting if that’s happening due to something else.

Grasping the Difference: Teething vs. Illness

It can be hard to tell the difference between teething symptoms and signs of illness, especially when symptoms like mild fever or fussiness overlap. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Symptom	More Likely Teething	More Likely Illness
Vomiting	Very rare; usually indirect (gagging from drool)	Common; often with fever/diarrhea, happens repeatedly
Fever	Low grade (under 101°F / 38.3°C); might come and go	High (102.2°F / 39°C and above); persistent
Diarrhea	Sometimes (from swallowed saliva/germs), often mild	Common (stomach bug); can be watery, frequent
Rash	Drool rash around mouth	Body rash, often with fever
Appetite	Might refuse solids due to sore gums; still drinks	Often refuses all fluids/solids; seems very weak
Activity Level	Fussy/irritable but still has some energy	Lethargic, sleepy, little interest in playing
Specific Pain	Points to mouth/gums; wants to chew	Might point to stomach, head, ears, throat
Duration	Symptoms related to when tooth cuts through, then pass	Illness symptoms often build, last days, then slowly improve

This table is a general guide. Every child is different. If you are ever unsure, it’s always best to check with your doctor.

Preventing Vomiting While Teething (Indirectly)

While you can’t stop teething, you can take steps that might reduce the chances of your toddler vomiting during this time. These steps are mainly about hygiene and managing saliva.

• Keep Hands and Toys Clean: Since toddlers chew everything, wash their hands often. Clean toys they use for chewing regularly, especially after they’ve been on the floor. This helps prevent the spread of germs that cause vomiting causes in toddlers.
• Wipe Away Drool: Use a clean cloth to gently wipe away extra drool. This helps prevent skin rash and might reduce the amount swallowed.
• Ensure Hydration: If they are drooling a lot or refusing solids, make sure they are still drinking enough milk or water. Staying hydrated is key, especially if they do end up vomiting.
• Watch for Other Illness Signs: Be aware of other symptoms like high fever, strong cough, or significant changes in behavior. These point to illness, not just teething. Early detection of an illness causing teething fever nausea or other symptoms can help manage it.

Summing It Up: Is Vomiting a Sign of Teething?

To circle back to the main question: Is vomiting a sign of teething? No, not usually. Teething itself causes pain and swelling in the gums. Vomiting is a symptom that points to issues elsewhere in the body, most often an infection or illness.

While there are indirect links, like swallowing lots of saliva causing a gagging reflex teething or chewing on dirty objects leading to tummy bugs and diarrhea related to teething, these are secondary effects. They aren’t the tooth pushing through the gum causing the stomach to react directly.

Recognizing typical other teething symptoms like sore gums, drooling, and chewing helps parents know what to expect. Knowing common vomiting causes in toddlers, such as viruses, helps pinpoint the real issue.

If your toddler is vomiting while teething, focus on whether they have other signs of illness. Watch carefully for when toddler vomiting is serious – especially signs of dehydration, high fever, or lethargy.

Providing teething remedies for discomfort can ease your child’s pain and fussiness. But if vomiting occurs, it’s crucial to consider causes beyond just teething and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

Remember, teething is a normal, healthy process. Vomiting is a symptom that usually requires looking for another explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions parents ask about teething and vomiting.

h4 Does increased drool from teething cause vomiting?

Swallowing a lot of extra drool can sometimes trigger a gagging reflex teething, which might lead to spitting up or a small vomit in some sensitive children. However, this is from the physical act of gagging on the liquid, not the teething process itself causing a stomach issue. For most toddlers, swallowing drool doesn’t cause vomiting.

h4 Can teething cause a high fever and vomiting?

A mild, low-grade fever (under 101°F or 38.3°C) can be linked to teething. But a high fever (102.2°F or 39°C or higher) and vomiting together are almost always signs of an illness, like a virus or infection, not teething. If your toddler has a high fever and is vomiting, you should see a doctor. The idea of significant teething fever nausea leading to vomiting is not well supported medically.

h4 Could acid reflux make teething vomiting worse?

If a toddler already has acid reflux, swallowing extra saliva from teething might potentially make their reflux symptoms seem worse, possibly leading to more spit-up or discomfort. This could be seen as acid reflux teething symptoms. However, teething itself doesn’t cause reflux or vomiting; it might just be a trigger for existing reflux due to the increased swallowing.

h4 Is it possible that my toddler is only vomiting when a tooth is coming in?

It might seem like this correlation exists. But it’s more likely that when a tooth is coming in, your toddler is also doing other things that can lead to vomiting, like putting hands or toys in their mouth more often (introducing germs) or simply picking up common illnesses at the same time they are teething. Timing doesn’t always mean cause. Is vomiting a sign of teething directly? Generally no.

h4 My toddler has diarrhea related to teething. Is this connected to vomiting?

Diarrhea during teething is also commonly reported by parents, but like vomiting, it’s usually an indirect link. Swallowing extra saliva can sometimes loosen stools. More often, though, diarrhea related to teething happens because the child is putting germ-filled objects in their mouth, leading to a stomach bug. Vomiting and diarrhea are classic symptoms of stomach viruses. If your child has both, an infection is the most likely cause.

h4 How can I help my toddler’s discomfort if they are teething and also vomiting?

Focus on the vomiting first if it seems serious. Ensure they stay hydrated by offering small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution. If the vomiting is mild and infrequent, you can also use teething remedies for discomfort like chilled teething rings or gentle gum massage. However, do not give pain medicine specifically for vomiting unless advised by a doctor. If the vomiting is severe or shows signs of dehydration, seek medical help immediately.

h4 Could the pain of teething cause stress that leads to vomiting?

While severe pain can sometimes cause nausea or vomiting, the pain from teething is usually not severe enough to trigger vomiting directly in this way. The level of discomfort is typically managed with chewing or mild pain relief. If a toddler seems to be in extreme distress causing vomiting, it’s more likely due to a more significant pain source than just teething.

h4 My doctor said vomiting is not a teething symptom. Why do so many parents think it is?

The belief is very common because toddlers often get sick with viruses at the same age they are teething. When a child is irritable, drooling, and then happens to vomit, parents naturally look for a single explanation. Since teething is visible and ongoing, it becomes the easy culprit. However, medical knowledge points to other causes for vomiting causes in toddlers, especially infections, as the true reason. The overlap in timing leads to the misconception.

h4 Should I change my toddler’s diet when they are teething and vomiting?

If your toddler is actively vomiting, the most important thing is hydration. Offer clear liquids in small amounts often. Avoid solid foods until the vomiting stops. If the vomiting seems linked to potential acid reflux teething symptoms, discuss dietary changes with your doctor. For typical teething discomfort without vomiting, there’s usually no need to change their diet unless sore gums make eating certain foods too painful.

h4 How long does vomiting last if it’s related to teething (indirectly)?

If vomiting is linked indirectly to teething (like from gagging on drool or mild tummy upset from swallowed saliva/germs), it would likely be occasional spitting up or perhaps one or two vomits. If the vomiting is persistent (happening many times over several hours or days), it is definitely an illness. Vomiting from a virus typically lasts 12-48 hours. If vomiting continues beyond this, you need to see a doctor.

h4 Can teething cause appetite loss and vomiting?

Teething can cause a decrease in appetite, especially for solid foods, because chewing hurts the gums. However, it doesn’t usually cause a total refusal to drink or eat, nor does it cause vomiting directly. If your child has a significant loss of appetite and is vomiting, it’s highly suggestive of an illness, not just teething. Teething and digestive problems like complete appetite loss or vomiting are more often signs of a separate issue.

h4 Are there specific teeth that cause vomiting more than others?

No. There’s no medical basis for certain teeth (like molars) causing vomiting more than others. While back molars can be more painful to erupt, the mechanism of teething pain is the same for all teeth. Any association with vomiting is likely coincidental or related to the indirect factors discussed, which aren’t tooth-specific.

h4 What should I do if my toddler vomits after using a teething remedy?

First, stop using that specific remedy. Check the remedy ingredients. If it was a commercial gel or tablet, discard it immediately and call your pediatrician or poison control, especially if it was an unapproved product (like those with benzocaine or belladonna). If it was a natural remedy or chilled item, the vomiting is likely coincidental and due to another cause. Monitor your child for other symptoms and signs of dehydration, and call your doctor for advice.

h4 Can the pressure of a tooth coming through affect stomach nerves?

No, the nerves in the gums related to teething pain do not directly connect to the stomach in a way that would cause vomiting. The pain sensation is localized to the mouth. Teething and digestive problems like vomiting are not caused by nerve pathways from the gums to the stomach.

h4 So, if my toddler is teething and vomiting, what should I assume?

Assume the vomiting is not directly caused by teething. Look for other signs of illness, like fever (especially high), diarrhea, cough, runny nose, or changes in energy level. Check for signs of dehydration. Offer fluids. If you see any warning signs for when toddler vomiting is serious, call your doctor right away. While teething adds to the complexity, treat the vomiting as a separate symptom requiring investigation for other common toddler illnesses.