Is this 'just' teething??

[firsttimer78]

DS got his 3rd tooth this week (first two appeared with no issues whatsoever). It's now through the gum but he is still spiking a temperature every couple of hours, not got much appetite, very unsettled at night and switches between usual sunny self and very very grumpy. Starting to worry there is something else going on and I'm just assuming it's teething. Any thoughts?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Have yo tried all the usual stuff like Ibruprofen and teething rings? If his temperature goes over 39 I'd get him checked out today, otherwise I'd take him to the GP tomorrow just so that they can rule out things like ear infections.

If he is over 6 months you could try giving him some chilled cucumber to chew on too.

[firsttimer78]

He's been getting calpol and neurofen for the past 3/4 days (more overnight than during day). Was pulling at his ear a wee bit earlier, but he does that quite often when tired...oh, it's so hard when they can't tell you how they feel!

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Pulling at his ear could be self comforting because of tiredness, ear pain or teething pain, you're right its so hard to tell and so much easier when they are older and can tell you what's wrong.

If I were you I'd take him to the doctors in the morning for a check.

[baabaapinksheep]

Teething does not cause a fever! It may cause your DS to be warm, but if he has a fever then it is most likely caused by something else. If I were you I would keep an eye on his temperature and if it is high then take him to the GP tomorrow.

[AKMD]

I thought DS was teethign once when he was 10mo. He nearly died from pneumonia :( Get him checked out.

[firsttimer78]

Thanks folks - tooth number 4 appeared over night but about to phone health visitor (no hope of getting a docs appointment without her pulling strings...don't get me started on that one!). He seems fine in himself this morning - up to all sorts of mischief!!

[firsttimer78]

Well, doc thought he had a virus - temp was up at 38 and I'm sure it had been higher before I bought a thermometer (bad mummy...) but was right as rain day after he went to the doc with no further intervention. Teeth number 5 and 6 have appeared simultaneously overnight with no fanfare whatsoever so guess he did have something else going on. Thanks for the advice.

[applepies]

paracetamol and ibuprfen only work properly if you give them as continuous doses ie at the times it says on the bottle, NOT just giving a dose when baby seems especially hot or miserable