Are you a parent of an infant or young child? If so, your little one may be experiencing the pain and discomfort associated with teething. Many parents often don’t realize that teething can cause earache as well as gum pain and irritability in their children.
In this blog post, we will explore how teeth erupting from beneath the gums can result in ear discomfort even though they are not directly connected. We’ll also provide helpful tips on managing and relieving your child’s symptoms while encouraging them to stay happy during this stressful time.
What is teething?
Teething is a natural phenomenon that begins around the age of 4 to 6 months and continues until your child is 2 or 3 years old. As the first teeth emerge, they push against the gum line which can feel quite uncomfortable for your little one. Not only will their cheeks become red, but they may also experience earache as a result of the pressure placed on their eustachian tubes.
Symptoms:
- Drooling
- Red and swollen gums
- Irritability, fussiness, and crying
- Low fever
- Not wanting to eat
- Rubbing or pulling on the ear
Can teething cause ear pain
The eustachian tube is a small hollow canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. When this tiny passage is blocked due to swelling or infection, it can cause pain in the ear and lead to congestion and even hearing loss. The same process occurs when a baby is teething and the pressure from the erupting tooth causes congestion in their eustachian tube.
Although an earache itself can be painful, it’s important to recognize that it is usually not a sign of something more serious like infection or deafness. It is simply a symptom of teething, which is why it is important to be aware of the connection between teething and earache.
In addition to ear pain, babies can also experience symptoms such as drooling, diarrhea, low fever and irritability during this process. It’s important to provide comfort and support for your baby during teething to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
What can you do to help relieve your child’s teething pain?
- Offer a teething toy or chilled washcloth: Placing something cold and safe to gnaw on, like a rubber teether or a washcloth, in your baby’s mouth can soothe their aching gums and help reduce inflammation.
- Massage your child’s gums: Gently rubbing your baby’s gums with a clean finger or wet gauze can also provide relief from the pain.
- Apply a topical anesthetic: If your child is in especially bad shape, you may want to try applying an over-the-counter numbing gel to their sore gums. Just be sure to follow the product instructions carefully and avoid using any products that contain benzocaine.
- Offer cold foods and liquids: Cold treats like popsicles, ice chips, and cold drinks can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething by providing temporary numbness to the area around the emerging tooth.
- Give them something else to focus on: Keeping your baby occupied during this time can also help them better cope with the pain. Engage in some quiet activities such as reading a book together, singing songs, playing games, or taking a walk outside to distract their mind from the discomfort.
Are there any home remedies that can help ease the discomfort of teething?
Yes, there are many home remedies that can help provide relief for your baby’s discomfort. Some of these include:
- Applying a cold compress to their gums or cheeks. This can reduce swelling and inflammation caused by teething.
- Massaging the affected area with a clean finger or cloth soaked in chamomile tea.
- Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water and then give your baby the cooled liquid to drink.
- Rubbing their gums with clove oil mixed with coconut oil. Be sure to use only a small amount of both oils, as too much can cause irritation.
- Giving them a homemade teething ring made of cooled boiled carrots.
- Making a natural teething balm using ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil.
Ultimately, teething is an uncomfortable experience for babies, but with the right combination of remedies and treatments, it can be easier to manage.
When should you take your child to see a doctor about their teething?
You should take your child to see a doctor if the teething pain persists or if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive drooling or rash around the mouth
- Severe irritability or distress
- Signs of infection, such as pus around the gums or redness
If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the pain and discomfort or refer you to a specialist if they suspect a more serious issue.
Conclusion:
Teething is a natural and normal process for infants, but it can cause them a lot of discomforts. To help alleviate this discomfort, parents should consider providing their children with cold foods or liquids, massaging their gums, and offering teething toys or chilled washcloths. Home remedies like compresses, ginger tea, clove oil, and carrot teething rings may also help. However, if the discomfort persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or difficulty sleeping, it’s important to seek medical advice right away. With the right combination of remedies and treatments, your child can be more comfortable during this time of development.
Faq’s:
Yes, some babies may get a low-grade fever when teething. If your baby’s temperature is over 100°F (38°C), you should contact your doctor for advice.
The most effective ways to ease teething pain are providing cold foods and liquids, massaging the affected area with a clean cloth or finger, offering something else for your baby to focus on, and trying some home remedies like compresses, ginger tea, clove oil, and carrot teething rings. For more severe symptoms such as fever or difficulty sleeping, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Most medical professionals recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications for teething infants due to potential side effects and possible risks. If your child is experiencing severe discomfort from teething, talk to your doctor about more suitable treatments.
It is not recommended to give an infant Tylenol for teething. If your baby is in severe discomfort and you want to try an over-the-counter medication, talk to your doctor first. They can advise you on the best course of action.
No, it is normal for babies to get their first teeth anywhere between 3 and 12 months. If your child is over a year old and still doesn’t have any teeth, you should discuss this with your doctor. They will be able to examine them and advise whether further investigation is necessary.
