You want to know the difference between an ear infection and teething in babies (baby ear infection vs teething). This article might help. Symptoms of both may look similar, so it might not be clear to decide the right one that disturbs your baby.
Ear infection: Ear Infection occurs due to inflammation and trapped bacteria. The otitis media is an ear infection that develops when the fluid builds up behind the eardrum and there will be swelling and infection in the middle ear.
Teething: Teething in babies begins to appear between 4 and 7 months. Sometimes it may start to grow lately. The timetable cannot be the same for every baby, it may vary. The baby will have the complete set of teeth by age 3.
How Do I Know If My Baby Has An Ear Infection Or Teething?
Earache or Teething: The teething occurs in the oral cavity. An ear infection occurs in the ear. The teething and ear infection may have the same symptoms and make it for the mother not easy to identify the problem.
Symptoms Of Ear Infection
How does a baby act when they have an ear infection? Here is the list of Symptoms of ear infection include;
- Tugging their ear
- Ear pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Fussiness
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Crying
- pulling on ear teething
Symptoms Of Teething
Symptoms of teething include;
- Loss of appetite
- Tugging their ear or cheek
- Low fever
- Excessive gnawing or biting
- Fussiness
- Decreased sleeping
You must be even wondering can babies get ear infection from teething? For more information have a look at the detailed infographics on baby ear infections home remedies:
Does Teething Cause Ear Infections? (baby ear infection vs teething)
Both may have the same symptoms, but there is no connection between ear infections and teething. Teething is a sign of the baby’s development that usually happens around 8 months of age. Ear infections are due to bacterial infections. The occurrence of both will overlap on the same developmental stage and have the same symptoms. You can avoid ear infections. The teething doesn’t cause ear infections.
Difference Between Ear Infection Vs Teething
Let us see teething vs ear infection step by step:
|
Ear Infection |
Teething |
| An ear infection occurs due to bacterial or viral infections around the eardrum. It can also be caused by a cold or throat infection. | Teething indicates the development stage. It continues and completes around 3 years. |
| It can happen at any stage. | Happens at the age of around 3 to 12 months. |
| Ear pulling or hitting the ears is a sign of pain in the ears. | Chewing on objects gets increased. Red and swollen gums are a sign of teething. Excessive drooling and dribbling are common in babies and can cause a red, painful area around their mouth. |
| Behave abnormally and distressed | Might have a low-grade fever of about 104.5 Fahrenheit. |
| Allow the baby to take a lot of rest and sleep. It can help him to fight against infections. | Keep your child hydrated. |
| You can give the baby paracetamol or ibuprofen suspension. It can reduce symptoms like pain and fever. | Wipe the drool regularly with a dry cloth. t can prevent skin irritation. |
| Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for ear infections. | You can give children paracetamol to ease the pain. |
| Antibiotics can help the children in healing fluid in the ear and reduce fever. | A teething ring is a good and safe treatment for teething. |
|
Antibiotics will not work for viral infection in some children |
You can give a chilled item from your refrigerator to provide soothing. Cold foods like chilled yogurt and pureed fruit are helpful. |
Conclusion
The baby teething may look like an ear infection because the mouth, teeth, and ears have connected nerves. The pain in both cases may be the same but not the teething will cause ear infections. The ear infection often occurs after the cold or flu which can also have other symptoms like fever.
Your baby might be pulling at their ears as they may have pain for other reasons like diaper rash or skin rash. If you see that your baby is tugging at their ears but you don’t know the reasons, don’t assume it is nothing, make an appointment with your doctor, and confirm that your baby is not in any real problem.
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
I am sure you are part of our amazing group “Baby World” to stay tuned with our latest videos and posts.
Tinydale is on YouTube, Click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.