Does Teething Cause Tiredness? Expert Tips for Your Baby’s Sleep

Most parents-to-be understand what’s ahead: lots of cuddles but long, sleepless nights. If your baby is struggling to sleep or seems unusually drained, you may be wondering: does teething cause tiredness? While teething doesn’t have to be a sentence of sleepless nights followed by exhausting days, it can certainly disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns. The physical discomfort of erupting teeth often leads to restlessness, and the resulting lack of quality sleep can leave your baby feeling exhausted during the day. Understanding how to help a teething baby sleep is key to helping both you and your baby get the rest you need.

Teething Signs and Symptoms

If your baby suddenly struggles with sleeping through the night, they could be teething. Beyond changes in sleep, look for these common signs:

• Crankiness
• Drooling
• Decreased appetite
• Rubbing gums

Important Caution: Fever and teething diarrhea are not typical symptoms of teething. If your baby experiences these, please contact your pediatrician to rule out other illnesses, as these may indicate an underlying infection rather than dental eruption.

How to Soothe Teething Discomfort

Alleviating gum pain can help your baby settle into a better sleep routine. Consider each effective teething remedy to help your baby settle into a better sleep routine.

• Teething Devices: Most come in the form of a toy or ring and can be frozen. The cold sensation can ease gum pain and allow your baby to get valuable sleep.
• Comforting Routines: A warm bath or rocking your baby to sleep can ease their discomfort and help them drift off.
• Medication: Ibuprofen and Tylenol can lessen discomfort, but you must consult with your child’s pediatrician before resorting to a pain reliever to ensure appropriate dosage based on your child’s weight.
• Safety Warning: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using numbing compounds containing topical benzocaine, as they have been shown to cause severe problems in children under two years of age.

Caring for Your Baby’s Oral Health

Good dental habits start before the first tooth appears. Follow these steps to maintain your baby’s oral health:

• Clean Gums: Using a clean washcloth, gently clean your baby’s gums.
• Brush Early: Once teeth come in, brush with an infant toothbrush using a tiny bit of toothpaste and water.
• Floss: When your baby’s teeth start to touch, it’s time to start flossing.
• Schedule a Visit: It is essential that your baby sees a dentist. At about the age of one, take your baby to a pediatric or family dentist. Ask friends for recommendations or use the ADA site to locate a pediatric dentist near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teething cause extreme exhaustion?

Teething can cause fatigue due to disrupted sleep, and you might notice flushed teething cheeks, but it should not cause extreme lethargy. If your baby seems unusually unresponsive or excessively tired, consult your pediatrician, as this may be a red flag for a systemic health issue.

Why does my baby seem more tired at night?

Teething pain is often more noticeable at night when there are fewer distractions, which can lead to fragmented sleep and subsequent daytime tiredness, and parents often wonder if can teething cause a cough as well.

Should I use numbing gels?

No. The FDA warns against using benzocaine-based topical gels for infants due to safety concerns.

When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?

You should begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a washcloth before teeth appear, and start using an infant toothbrush as soon as when does baby’s first tooth come in.