16 answers

Teething and Diarrhea

My 9 month old daughter is getting her two bottom teeth (both at the same time, oh joy!). She has had loose stools since last Thursday, including during the night. Before this, her stool was fairly solid and she didn't poop during the night. I called my pediatrician on Saturday, and they said the diarrhea is not related to the teething. They asked if there have been any changes in her diet or mine (I'm still breastfeeding). There haven't been any dietary changes. They recommended we put her on the BRAT diet (Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). We started that on Saturday, but it still hasn't helped. My husband changed her last night at midnight, and she was poopy again this morning when she got up.

Is the diarrhea related to the teething? Any other suggestions on how to stop the diarrhea? Will it stop once her teeth poke through her gums? The pediatrician said she doesn't need to come in unless she has another symptom (fever), but I'm getting worried as she's had diarrhea for 6 days now. She doesn't have any other symptoms - no fever, only cranky when she's tired.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Well, the diarrhea finally stopped after two weeks, of course right when we saw the pediatrician. The dr. had a different answer than the nurse who answered the phone; the dr said the diarrhea could have been caused by the teething. She had us bring in a stool sample, and they tested it for giardia from our dogs and other parasites (all negative).

I think it was because she just didn't want to eat while her teeth hurt. She didn't really eat too much during that time period either. The brown rice really did seem to help.

Thank you all for your responses!

Featured Answers

My mother in law is from Costa Rica and she says that when they teeth they get diarrea, although western medicine does not agree. So I think it will pass with time, don't worry.
J.

1 mom found this helpful

I have a 2 year old daughter who was pretty much the same way. It was like she got All of her teeth in pairs. She would either throw up or have diarrhea, she was never cranky either. I think, like all things that come with children, that every child is different. I would not be overly worried unless it get worse or does not go away after the teeth break through. Just remember to keep giving her fluids and Good Luck.

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

My daughter had the same thing when she was teething. Although it is not related to teething directly persay, it is. Babies are constantly putting their hands in thier mouths especially when teething. BActeria on thier hand, picked up from everyday things are transferred from hands to mouth to system, hence the diarrhea. My pediatrician told me this and it make alot of sense to me. Just keep her hydrated and clean hands and contact items often.

2 moms found this helpful

I have a 2 year old daughter who was pretty much the same way. It was like she got All of her teeth in pairs. She would either throw up or have diarrhea, she was never cranky either. I think, like all things that come with children, that every child is different. I would not be overly worried unless it get worse or does not go away after the teeth break through. Just remember to keep giving her fluids and Good Luck.

1 mom found this helpful

My mother in law is from Costa Rica and she says that when they teeth they get diarrea, although western medicine does not agree. So I think it will pass with time, don't worry.
J.

1 mom found this helpful

Our pediatrician said diarrhea can absolutely be caused by teething, due to the excess saliva they swallow. Both our babies had it when they cut their teeth and their stools firmed up once the teeth cut through. I'd consider looking for a new pediatrician...

1 mom found this helpful

My three kids all got diarrhea with bottom teeth, however, it was only when they would normally poop not excessive like hers is. It did stop when the teeth popped through. They always got a clear runny nose with top teeth, too, FYI. Wouldn't it be nice if it was just teeth that we had to worry about? Good luck. I hope she feels better soon. :)

1 mom found this helpful

Hi D.: I researched this a little,as I remember my sons having problems with their bowels during teething,but couldn't remember why. While this is a symptom,that is disagreed upon by physicians, reseachers and parents usually notice slightly looser bowel movements when a baby is teething.There was a study done in Australia at the childrens hospital,and they found this to be the most common symptom of teething,But again,there are alot of people that will disagree with this finding. Some babies will have low grade fevers and trouble sleeping. They will become irritable,from the discomfort,drool alot,get chin rash,cough ,bite and gnaw alot.I'm sure your main concern is her becoming dehydrated. If its been 6 days,I'd insist on the Dr. seeing her, or talk to his nurse and ask what you can give your baby to prevent this.I agree,with giving her a diet of foods that will help firm up her stool,but dehydration can be dangerous. I'd Try offering an electrolyte solution between breast feedings.I hope your daughter is doing better soon. The best to you D.

1 mom found this helpful

I have heard diarrhea and teething can go hand in hand. If they swallow the saliva instead of drooling, they can get diarrhea. I would think once the teeth break through, the diarrhea would stop. Keep your daughter hydrated for sure and if something still doesn't seem right, be persistent with the doctor. Even though they've been formally trained, they may not actually have kids;)

1 mom found this helpful

On the contrary, diarrhea IS a symptom of teething! I have four grown children, and am of grandparenting age (none yet, shucks!), and each of them went through teething with loose stools, runny nose, and fussiness. Don't stop nursing! "Suffer it to be so now...." All is well!

1 mom found this helpful

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