Can Teething Lead to Ear Infections? A Fact Differentiating Fuss from Teething

A tiny human's arrival brings immense joy and a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when your little one is experiencing discomfort. A symphony of cries and gnashing gums frequently accompany teething, a natural milestone. However, amidst the chaos, parents in the UK might wonder if teething can cause ear infections. Let's delve into teething and earaches, separating fact from fuss and providing resources specific to the UK healthcare system.

Teething: A Natural (and Messy!) Phase

Teething is the process of a baby's primary teeth erupting through the gums. This typically begins around 6 months, although it can vary from baby to baby. As the teeth push through the gums, your baby might experience various discomforts, including:

• Increased Drooling: This is a common teething symptom as your baby produces more saliva to soothe the irritated gums. [Source-NHS]

• Fussiness and Irritability: The discomfort can make your baby cranky and unsettled.

• Chewing: Babies instinctively chew to alleviate the pressure on their gums.

• Gum Inflammation: The area around the erupting tooth might become red and swollen.

• Difficulty Sleeping: Discomfort can disrupt your baby's sleep patterns.

Ear Infections: A Common Childhood Ailment

Ear infections, or otitis media, are prevalent in young children. The Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, helps drain fluid from the middle ear. This tube is shorter and more horizontal in children than adults, making them more prone to ear infections.

The Eustachian tube can become swollen and blocked when a child has a cold or upper respiratory infection. This fluid buildup in the middle ear creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or viruses, leading to an infection. Symptoms of ear infection in babies can include:

• Fever: A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher can indicate an infection. [Source-NHS]

• Earache: This is a common symptom, but babies might be unable to verbalise it. Look for signs like ear tugging, fussiness that worsens when lying down, or difficulty sleeping on the affected side.

• Drainage from the Ear: Pus-like fluid draining from the ear strongly indicates an infection.

• Loss of Balance: In some cases, babies with ear infections might experience balance problems.

Teething and Ear Infections: The Not-So-Direct Connection

While teething doesn't directly cause ear infections, it can create conditions that make a baby more susceptible. Here's why:

• Increased Drooling: As mentioned earlier, teething babies drool excessively. This excess saliva can travel up the Eustachian tube, potentially introducing bacteria to the middle ear.

• Inflamed Gums: Teething can lead to inflamed gums, which are close to the roots of the teeth. In some cases, this inflammation can travel up the jawbone and affect the Eustachian tube, causing congestion and increasing the risk of infection.

• Teething Discomfort: The discomfort from teething can make babies put anything they can find in their mouths, including their hands or unclean objects. This increases the risk of introducing bacteria into the ears.

Soothing Teething Discomfort for Your Little One

Here are some safe and effective ways to help your baby cope with teething discomfort:

• Teething Toys and Chew Rings: Choose age-appropriate, firm teething toys made from safe, non-toxic materials. Look for ones that can be chilled in the refrigerator for an extra soothing effect. The NHS recommends textured teething rings over teething gels or liquids. [SourceNHS]

• Chilled Teethers: Place a clean teething toy or washcloth in the refrigerator before offering it to your baby. The coolness can numb the gums and provide relief.

• Gentle Gum Massage: Wash your finger thoroughly and gently massage your baby's gums. The pressure can help alleviate discomfort.

When to See a Doctor: Don't Ignore the Signs 

• Persistent Fever: A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher lasting more than 3 days can indicate an infection. [Source-NHS]

• Pus Drainage from the Ear: Any pus-like discharge from the ear strongly indicates an ear infection and requires a doctor's visit.

• Loss of Appetite: If your baby refuses to feed or seems unusually disinterested in food, it could be a sign of discomfort or illness.

• Difficulty Sleeping for Several Nights: While teething can disrupt sleep, persistent sleep disturbances for several nights warrant a visit to the GP.

• Excessive Fussiness: If your baby seems inconsolably fussy and the usual teething remedies don't provide relief, it's best to seek professional advice.

It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you're concerned about your baby's health, trust your instincts and seek medical advice from your GP.

Conclusion

Teething and ear infections are both common occurrences in babies. While teething doesn't directly cause earaches, it can create conditions that make a baby more susceptible. Understanding signs and symptoms and utilising safe teething remedies can help your little one through these uncomfortable phases. Remember, the NHS supports you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to contact your GP with concerns about your baby's health.

FAQs

Q. Does teething cause ear infections?

A: No, teething itself doesn't directly cause ear infections. However, teething can make a baby more susceptible, such as increased drooling and inflamed gums.

Q. What are the symptoms of teething?

A: Common symptoms of teething include:

• Increased drooling

• Fussiness and irritability

• Chewing on objects

• Swollen and red gums

• Difficulty sleeping

Q. What are the symptoms of an ear infection in a baby?

A: Since babies can't always verbalise their discomfort, watch for these signs of an ear infection:

• Fever (38°C or 100.4°F or higher)

• Earache (fussiness that worsens when lying down, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, ear tugging)

• Pus drainage from the ear

• Loss of balance

Q. How can I soothe my teething baby?

A: Here are some safe and effective ways to comfort your teething little one:

• Teething toys and chew rings (made from safe, non-toxic materials)

• Chilled teething toys or washcloths

• Gentle gum massage

Q. When should I see a doctor about my teething baby?

A: See your GP if your baby experiences:

• A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher for more than 3 days

• Pus drainage from the ear

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty sleeping for several nights in a row

• Excessive fussiness that doesn't improve with teething remedies

Resources

• [1] NHS: Teething: NHS: Teething

[2] NHS: Ear Infections in Babies: NHS: Ear Infections in Babies