Is It an Ear Infection or Just Teething?

Updated on April 11, 2009
A.G. asks from Powder Springs, GA
7 answers

Hi Moms. So the last time my daughter was cutting a tooth she tugged at her ear and the Dr. told me that sometimes teething causes pressure which can cause some discomfort in the ear. This time around she is cutting about 3 teeth at the same time and she is rubbing both ears. I know that ear infections can occur as well, but I wanted to know what are the other signs and symptoms of an ear infection. She is still eating, drinking, no fever, and she is sleeping well. I'm a first time mom and just want to know before I go rushing her to the dr. Thanks!

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C.G.

answers from Atlanta on

If she has a cold, or just gotten over one, then I'd take her in to get checked. Otherwise it sounds like the teeth. I was told the pain radiates up the jaw bone to the ears. It makes me glad we don't remember it!

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S.G.

answers from Savannah on

Even though ear pulling isn't a sign of an infection, I'd say your daughter is teething. If she is getting back teeth in, this can cause pressure to travel to her sinsus and cause pain or discomfort to her ear area. Give her teeting tablets and motrin (for the inflamation) and she should be fine.

Good luck!
S.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

My daughter never shows signs of an ear infection, even when it's a bad one. She never runs a fever or slows down. So, we usually run to the doctor when she starts coughing and sticking her fingers in her ears repeatedly. Most of the time, I've been right and she's had an infection. My mom has told me to take my daughter to the doctor anytime I think something's wrong. She said that this is what doctors are here for--to keep parents sane and make sure kids are healthy. :)

Good luck!

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T.F.

answers from Spartanburg on

As long as there is no fever, I wouldn't worry. Try putting a wash cloth or small towel in the dryer for just a minute or two, and lay it on her ears. It may soothe her some if they are bothering her. Hope this helps. Check out WebMD also. There is a symptom checker on there that I use quite frequently.
_Tosha :)

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi A.,

In a little one there is not much distance between the mouth and the ears. Sometimes the eustachian tubes get irritated when teething. A little topical tea tree oil or camphor on the outside area between the mouth and the ear will give comfort. I agree, if there's no fever, then there isn't an infection.

God bless,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

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S.P.

answers from Atlanta on

My son rarely ran a fever with all of his ear infections. All we had to go by was the tugging of the ear. The only way to really tell is for the doctor to take a peak in there. Sometimes my son had really nasty infections in both ears and I could not tell.

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M.J.

answers from Charleston on

Ear infections often occur with teething due to the increased pressure and decrease in fluid drainage. This usually comes about when the childs neck bones are out of proper alignment. The 1st and 2nd bone in the neck, along with the skull can shift, especailly during delivery. When this happens and is never corrected, the 1st bone in particular will put direct pressure on the eustation tube, thus making the extra fluid pool up in the middle ear canal and cause infection and pain. Seeing a Chiropractor will take this pressure away and allow the fluid to drain naturally. Chiropractic is very safe and gentle for children of all ages. When my daughter had a double ear infection at 9 months, I took her to a chiro. With this treatment alone, they were both COMPLETELY cleared up in 3 days!!! She was in NO discomfort because after the first treatment, her pain instantly went away with the removal of the pressure! I truly hope you take this route. It will save you so much time and money in the long run! Best of luck to you guys!

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