It might be teeth, but I thought I'd add that my DS1 had symptoms similar to yours and his first tooth didn't cut until 17 months. It was very frustrating that every person on the street would declare "he's teething!" simply because he rubbed his ear or drooled.

My DS2 is 4 months now and drooling like a champion. It is actually developmentally normal to drool a lot at this age and it to bear no relation to teeth.

I say - dismiss the comments and just provide chewy toys etc, and obviously pain relief if you think he needs it. Just don't watch too hard for those teeth, cause they might not be coming for awhile! Enjoy the gummy smiles!