Ear pain and toothaches often occur together, making things confusing and uncomfortable. The nerves in your teeth, jaw, and ears are connected, so a dental problem can cause pain that spreads to other areas. Issues like a tooth infection, TMJ disorder, or impacted wisdom teeth can all cause this kind of pain. However, knowing how they’re connected can help you find the right treatment and get relief from the pain.
How Can a Toothache Lead to an Earache?
A toothache can cause ear pain because the nerves in the jaw, teeth, and ears are closely connected. The trigeminal nerve, which controls both the teeth and parts of the face, can send pain signals from dental problems like cavities, abscesses, or gum infections to the ear. This is called “referred pain,” where pain in one area is felt in another. Other issues like TMJ disorders or impacted wisdom teeth can also make pain spread between these areas.
According to Dr. Hieu Nguyen Pham of Hermosa Dentistry, “Because the facial nerves are connected, dental pain can often feel like ear pain, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.” Seeing a dentist quickly is important to treat the cause and relieve both pains.
Symptoms of a Tooth & Ear Pain
Tooth and ear pain can be linked because the teeth and ears are close to each other. Here are some common signs of both:
Toothache Symptoms
- Bad breath, often from dental infections or poor oral care
- Fever, which can signal an infection that needs treatment
- Swollen glands, caused by infection or inflammation
- Sensitivity to temperature changes in the teeth
- Pain in or around the tooth, which can be mild or severe, and might happen when eating, drinking hot or cold drinks, or biting
Earache Symptoms
- Pain in or around the ear, which may feel dull, sharp, or burning
- Fever, often from an infection
- Trouble hearing, which can happen if there’s fluid buildup or infection
- Loss of balance, which can be linked to inner ear problems or pain from the tooth
- Drainage from the ear, possibly showing an infection
How to Relieve Ear Pain from a Toothache?
When a toothache causes pain in the ear, treatment focuses on fixing the dental problem and relieving the pain that spreads. “Since everything in the face is connected, treating dental problems is often the key to stopping pain in the ear.” Says Dr. Hieu Nguyen Pham. Here’s how doctors usually treat it:
Dental Procedures
If the pain is coming from an infected tooth, a root canal may be done to remove the infected tissue and stop the pain. If the tooth is badly damaged and can’t be saved, it may need to be removed. For smaller issues like cavities, the dentist may place a filling or crown to stop the pain that radiates to the ear.
Antibiotics
If the pain is caused by a bacterial infection, such as a dental abscess or gum disease, antibiotics may be given to treat the infection. This helps prevent the infection from spreading to other areas.
Pain Management
In some cases, over-the-counter painkillers aren’t enough. A doctor may prescribe stronger medications for relief. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (NSAIDs) can also help by reducing swelling and easing pain in both the tooth and ear.
TMJ Disorder Treatment
If the pain is caused by problems in the jaw joint (TMJ), wearing a custom mouthguard can help stop teeth grinding, which can eliminate the pain. In serious cases, surgery might be needed to fix the joint issues causing the pain.
Orthodontic Treatment
If the pain is due to misaligned teeth or jaw, braces or retainers can help fix the alignment. This takes pressure off the jaw joint and can reduce pain that spreads to the ear.
When Should You Consult a Dentist?
Tooth pain that spreads to the ear is often a sign of a dental or health problem that needs quick attention. You should see a dentist if the pain lasts more than a day or two without getting better, or if it’s very sharp and makes it hard to eat, sleep, or go about your day. Other warning signs include fever, swelling in your face or jaw, trouble opening your mouth, or a bad taste.
These signs could mean you have an infection, such as a dental abscess. If you feel ear pain but think it might be coming from a dental issue, such as TMJ problems or wisdom teeth, a dentist can help figure out what’s going on. You should also get checked if your gums are red, swollen, leaking pus, or if you feel pain when biting down, as these are signs of infection that can get worse if not treated.
Final Verdict
It can be hard to tell if your pain is coming from a tooth or your ear, so it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms and not ignore them. If an infection is causing the pain, you may need medicine from a doctor to treat it properly.
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.
