The teething stage brings a lot of firsts experiences like first tooth, first drool puddle, first tiny bite marks on the crib railings. But what about the sniffles? If your baby’s nose turns into a leaky faucet just as their gums swell, then you’re probably asking the classic question of does teething cause runny nose?
It’s a question that almost every parent searches for in Google, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as they’ve hoped for. As a runny nose can sometimes appear during teething, the question is, are they really connected or is it just a coincidence?
In this article, let’s clear this up with science, expert advice, and practical solutions for your baby and also you throughout this stage with a little more ease and less worries.
Can Baby Teething Cause Runny Nose?

Most pediatricians agree that teething does not directly cause a runny nose. But here's the twist — it can set off a chain of reactions that make it look like your baby has a cold.
When your baby starts teething, in this process babies use their hands in their mouth to ease the discomfort they are feeling during teething. As their hands come up to their mouth or different objects like their toys being bitten. Certain bacterias or viruses can emerge from these objects or toys, especially their hands. As they are still babies, developing their teeth and especially their immune system as it is still not fully developed. Instances like these may lead to your baby developing colds or flus leading to a runny nose as a sign to fighting off these infections.
Can Teething Cause Green Snot?

Green snots may be alarming as this is a sign that you may be fighting off bacterias or viruses that entered your system. Especially if this were to happen to your precious baby. Questions like is green snot forming because of this teething stage?
We may answer this question as, teething may also be a cause as to why your baby has green snot. As teething makes your baby’s gums hurt or sore, their production of saliva may increase and as your babies who have no knowledge of what’s happening and how to ease their discomfort. Leading to touching and biting hands or toys to lessen it. And because of the not yet fully developed immune system, infections easily barge in your baby’s system. And to fight off these infections, the formation of thicker mucus or green mucus is a sign that they are fighting off these infections.
Does Teething Cause a Stuffy Nose at Night?
Many parents notice that their baby’s nose seems more blocked during nighttime and wonders if this is because of teething. But this isn’t exactly caused by the teething. What’s really happening is a combination of increased saliva production, a possible mild inflammation from their environment, or lying down flat.
When babies lay down when sleeping, some mucus or saliva may accumulate in their throats or nose. Leading to nasal congestion and even snoring.
To help ease stuffiness, using a nasal aspirator for newborn like the Momcozy BreezyClear Pro™ 2-in-1 Spray & Suction Electric Nasal Aspirator is a big game changer. It gently clears out mucus using soft spray and suction so your baby can breathe easier while sleeping.
When That Runny Nose Is Probably Related to Teething
If your baby’s runny nose appears during teething and symptoms like drooling, chewing things, and a different type of fussiness with no sign of fever or illness then it’s likely teething-related irritation.
Here’s when the runny nose may be associated with teething:
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Clear and watery mucus: This type of runny nose is typically not that serious and just normal and goes away with time.
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No other signs of illness: If your baby seems normally happy aside from gum discomfort then there’s probably no infection.
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Drooling is out of control: Excess saliva with runny nose because of infections from biting infected toys.
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If you’re still unsure, keeping an eye on your baby with a video baby monitor like the Momcozy 5-Inch Dual-mode Smart Baby Monitor-BM04 can help you track and observe their symptoms through the night.
When That Runny Nose May Be Something Else
Sometimes when it seems like teething is actually a sign of a cold, allergy, or another issue. Here’s when you might want to dig a little deeper:
- Mucus is yellow or green and sticks around for more than a few days.
- Baby has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), which usually points to an infection, not teething.
- Coughing, sneezing, or irritability increases without improvement.
- Reduced appetite or fewer wet diapers, which may suggest illness or dehydration.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult your pediatrician. Remember to trust your gut. You know your baby best.
What Are the Regular Symptoms of Teething?
As every baby has different personalities and are unique, their experiences with teething may also be different but there are regular signs that show up to every little baby individual out there.
Here are some of those regular symptoms of teething for babies:
- Lots of Drooling
You may notice your baby drooling more as usual, their baby bibs are soaked with saliva, and are starting to develop mild rash around their mouth or their chins. This is usually from your baby’s drool because of teething. While the drooling of your babies is completely normal, it may sometimes lead to irritation on their skin.
- A strong urge to chew or bite
As babies naturally bite or chomps on their toys to learn more about it using their mouths, you may notice when it starts to be more frequent that is a little alarming as it is an unusual behavior.
- Swollen or tender gums
If you tried to peek in your baby’s mouth and notice red spots or sore gums or even a white tiny tooth starting to spurt.
- Increased fussiness and disrupted sleep
As teething can be uncomfortable for your babies, teething may be more active at night. And this discomfort can make it harder for your babies to sleep peacefully and calm down.
To ease discomfort for your babies, newborn sound machine of Smart Baby Sound Machine - App Remote Control can help soothe them back to sleep with calming white noise during teething.
How to Soothe a Baby During Teething
Here are some gentle and effective ways to ease your baby’s teething problems:
- Give your little ones chilled teething toys or wet washcloths
- Massage baby’s gums with a clean finger
- Provide soft foods like applesauce or yogurt if they’ve started solids
- Use a newborn sound machine like the Momcozy Smart Baby Sound Machine to create a calm environment. It’s app-controlled and plays calming white noise that helps comfort irritated babies during teething.
Consistency and routine also go a long way during these tough nights.
How to Manage Vomiting and a Runny Nose During Teething
Vomiting isn’t a classic teething symptom. But if it shows up with drool-triggered gagging or swallowing too much mucus, here’s how to help:
- Offer smaller, more frequent feeds to avoid overwhelming their stomach.
- Use a nasal aspirator for newborns to clear the mucus before meals and naps.
- Keep your baby upright after feeding to reduce reflux-like symptoms.
- Avoid overfeeding during fussy periods.
If vomiting continues or becomes forceful, always call your doctor. It’s better to be safe when it comes to digestion issues in infants.
When to See a Doctor?
A runny nose when teething can be normal, but some symptoms may indicate a more serious problem. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, feel free to call your pediatrician or go seek urgent care:
- When your baby’s runny nose still continues to be active for more than 10 days without stopping or calming.
- A fever higher than that lasts longer than 24 hours. Teething may cause a slight rise in temperature, but anything higher alongside lasting longer could mean there’s an illness involved.
- If your baby is vomiting repeatedly or showing signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, fewer wet diapers, or sunken eyes. This requires prompt medical attention.
- If your baby is experiencing harsh breathing like wheezing or a dry cough that doesn’t seem to go away. These can be signs of respiratory infections like bronchiolitis or RSV, which are not related to teething.
- When your baby appears to be always sleepy or lumpy, pale, difficult to wake up, or refuses to be fed. These are red flags that something more serious may be going on.
You know your baby better than anyone else. If their behavior feels unusual or something just doesn’t seem right, always trust your instincts. It’s better to make a quick call and get reassurance than to overlook something important.
FAQs
What Are Three Normal Signs of Teething?
Drooling, gum swelling, and increased chewing are the top signs. Add in a bit of irritability, and you’ve got a classic teether.
Are Cold Symptoms Signs of Teething?
Mild congestion or a runny nose can happen during teething, but true cold symptoms (fever, green mucus, fatigue) are more likely from illness.
How Many Days Does Teething Last?
Each tooth takes about 8 days from swelling to eruption, but overall teething can span months as different teeth break through.
What Is the Best Position for a Teething Baby to Sleep?
On their back, as recommended by pediatricians. Use a sound machine and monitor to help comfort and track baby overnight.
Conclusion
So does teething cause runny nose? Not exactly, but it can be part of the teething stage.
Teething often joins with other developmental changes such as mild congestion, drooling, and increased irritability of your baby. While it's likely that having clear mucus is a normal occurrence, the presence of green or yellow mucus, fever, or vomiting is probably worth checking out.
With the right tools like a nasal aspirator for newborn, a smart baby monitor, and a lot of cuddles, you can make this stage more comfortable for your little one and a lot more manageable for yourself.
Teething is tough, but you’re tougher. You've got this.