Can Teething Cause Diarrhea?

Many parents notice looser, more frequent stools right when teeth start coming in and wonder, “Can teething cause diarrhea?” Teething itself doesn’t directly trigger diarrhea, but it often overlaps with other changes that can. Around the same age, babies may start solids, lose some passive immunity, and mouth everything—making tummy upsets and infections more likely.

Common reasons diarrhea may show up during teething periods include:

New foods or formula changes

Viral or bacterial illness (often with fever/vomiting)

Food sensitivities or medication side effects.

Next, we’ll break down how to tell normal stool changes from diarrhea, what to do at home, and when to call your healthcare provider.

What Is Teething and What Symptoms Are Common?

Teething is the natural process of your baby’s first teeth pushing up through the gums, usually starting around 4 to 7 months of age (though timing can vary). You can learn more about when teeth typically appear in this helpful baby teeth chart.

As these new teeth emerge, your baby may experience some mild discomfort, which can lead to common teething symptoms. Every baby is different, but you might notice:

• Increased drooling

• Swollen, tender gums

• Fussiness or irritability

• Chewing on objects

• Slightly raised temperature (not a true fever).

For a fuller overview, explore these detailed teething symptoms for babies.

Understanding what teething is and what’s typical can help you feel more prepared—especially when questions come up about less obvious symptoms, like changes in your baby’s poop.

The common perception among dentists is that teething in babies and children may be accompanied by increased drooling, a slight rise in temperature, and perhaps increased irritability, but these symptoms are relatively minor.

Source: Pamela DenBesten, 2000

Does Teething Cause Diarrhea?

Many parents wonder, “Can teething cause diarrhea?” While it’s a common belief, research suggests that teething itself does not directly cause diarrhea.

Teething is a normal developmental phase, and although your baby may have more drool during this time, there’s no strong scientific evidence that teething leads to true diarrhea. Some babies may have slightly looser stools, possibly from swallowing extra saliva, but this is not the same as diarrhea.

Diarrhea in babies is typically defined as a sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools—usually three or more watery stools in a day. This is usually linked to other causes, not teething.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Babies:

• Infections.

  Viruses, bacteria, or parasites are the most common causes.

• Antibiotics.

  Some medications can disrupt the good bacteria in your baby’s gut and lead to mild diarrhea.

• Food sensitivities or allergies.

  For example, lactose intolerance or other dietary reactions.

• Too much juice or sugary drinks.

  The undigested sugars lead to more water flowing into your baby’s gut.

If you notice signs of diarrhea, it’s a good idea to keep your baby hydrated and consult your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance.

Why Parents Often Associate Teething With Diarrhea

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does teething cause diarrhea?” or “Why do babies get diarrhea when teething?” You’re not alone. Many parents notice these symptoms around the same time, so it’s natural to assume that teething could cause diarrhea.

Here’s what’s happening: Teething often overlaps with a stage when babies explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. This can expose them to more germs, which may lead to infections, one of the most common causes of diarrhea in babies.

At the same time, increased drooling during teething may lead to slightly looser stools, which can sometimes be mistaken for diarrhea.

Can Teething Cause Fever, Vomiting, or Dehydration?

Many parents ask whether teething can cause fever, or whether it causes throwing up and diarrhea. While teething can make your baby uncomfortable, it does not typically cause fever, vomiting, or dehydration.

Teething may lead to a slight rise in temperature, but it usually stays below 100.4°F (38°C). A higher fever is more likely due to an illness rather than teething. Similarly, symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea are not caused by teething and may point to an infection or another underlying issue.

Dehydration can become a concern if your baby is losing fluids from vomiting or diarrhea. Watch for signs like a dry mouth, fewer tears when crying, or fewer wet diapers.

If your baby has a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea—especially together—it’s best to consult your baby’s healthcare provider to understand the cause and get the right care. For more details, you can also read about teething and fever.

What Does Teething Poop Look Like?

So, what does teething poop really look like, and how can you distinguish between a normal stool or diarrhea while teething? While slightly loose stools during teething are possible, it shouldn’t cause true diarrhea.

During teething, you might notice small changes in your baby’s poop, but these typically stay within the normal range described in this helpful guide to baby poop. Understanding the difference can help you know what’s normal—and when to check in with your baby’s healthcare provider.

Teething poop may appear a bit softer due to extra saliva your baby swallows, but it should not be persistently watery or frequent.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diarrhea in babies is usually linked to infections, food sensitivities, or other medical causes—not teething.

If you notice ongoing loose stools, unusual color changes, or signs of dehydration, it’s best to consult your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance.

How Long Does Diarrhea Last During Teething?

If your baby experiences diarrhea while teething, it's important to remember that teething itself is not the cause. If diarrhea occurs, monitor how long it lasts. Persistent diarrhea lasting more than a couple of days, or diarrhea accompanied by other symptoms like fever or vomiting, should prompt you to contact your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes and ensure your baby stays hydrated.

How to Treat Diarrhea If It Occurs While Teething

If your baby is experiencing diarrhea while teething, it's important to manage the symptoms carefully, even though teething itself is not typically the direct cause. Here are some steps you can take:

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Teething is usually associated with mild symptoms like drooling and fussiness, but more serious issues can indicate something other than teething. Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if you notice:

• High fever: A slight temperature increase is common, but a high or persistent fever (above 100.4°F) usually isn’t related to teething.

• Severe diarrhea: If you notice diarrhea in your infant during teething or at any point in their childhood, this may signal an illness. Contact your provider if you notice frequent, watery stools.

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

When in doubt, trust your instincts and consult your baby’s healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

While teething may be challenging, it’s important to know that it does not cause diarrhea. Understanding what’s normal and when to seek advice can help ease your concerns. If you’re looking for more ways to soothe your baby during teething, check out our guide for tips that can help make this phase more comfortable for your little one.

If you’re stocking up on essentials during this stage, you can also download the Pampers Rewards app to earn rewards on all your diaper and wipe purchases. Every step of your parenting journey can be rewarding!