Teething or possible ear infection? How do I know?

[boopdoop]

My DS is 5 months, and he already had his first two teeth (bottom front ones).

Over the last few days he has been really grumpy, screaming and crying, and is obviously not happy and in pain - this is all very unusual for him, even when the first two teeth came through he was a bit grumpy and had moments but nothing like this. Calpol helps but only for so long.

The pain seems to be at the side of his month from where he is putting his fist, getting red and hot cheek, rubbing ear etc, and so at first I thought it must be a tooth coming through here, but I can't see or feel anything and I also thought the top front ones usually come through next?

So now I am concerned it might be an ear infection rather than a tooth. Is there anything which would help me distinguish?

I don't want to go to the doctors unnecessary and don't want to be seen by them as keeping going for things which are not serious etc but of course don't want my little one to be in pain and not treating it. It's so so hard to know isn't it!

Has he got a temperature?

Honestly at that age it's not possible to be sure of either. Teething and earache go together.

Heat is a good sign. If his gums are hot it could be teeth. If you put your hand between his ear and jaw, what does he do? If he pushes into your hand and whimpers or crys he probably has earache.

Take him to the doctors to get him checked over then at least you can be certain.

Teething often comes with nappy rash. I found ibuprofen best for teething pain, and can be used at the same time as calpol. We used to give one or other every 3hrs. Other thing that helped with teething pain was a vibrating baby chair, we used to call it dd1's TENS machine.

Which ever it is pain relief is required, and you can go togp in the morning for an ear check if it doesn't settle by then.

If he is pulling at the ear then I would go and get it checked out. Ear infections can be quite nasty and they do make them utterly miserable. All my dc have had different symptoms when teething ranging from severe nappy rash because of excessive pooing, runny noses, red cheeks, dribbling, and ear problems.

Thanks. No temperature which I'm hoping is a good sign. I bought some ibuprofen yesterday so I could use it between calpol doses if needed. Will see how he is tmrw. Thanks for taking the time to post. Much appreciated.

If no temperature then likely just teething. I read somewhere that if ear infection the pain will get worse if you gently pull their ear lobe, but if teething it won't. Hard to check in a young one though. If still bad tomorrow get the GP to have a look,rather that than he suffers. I have always found Ibuprofen more effective than Paracetamol for teething pain.