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What are the Causes of Ear and Tooth Pain?

Amanda Barnhart
Amanda Barnhart

The most common causes of ear and tooth pain include infections, fluid buildup in the ear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, cavities, and tooth impaction. Ear and tooth pain often occur simultaneously due to the closeness of the nerves and other tissues in the face and head. While some causes of pain in these areas are serious, most pain is caused by minor infections or illnesses that can be easily treated by a doctor or dentist.

Ear and tooth infections are the most common causes of pain in these areas. Pain deep inside the ear may radiate down the jaw if caused by a middle ear infection, and may be also present with a fever and fluid drainage from the ear. An infection in the ear canal, outer ear, or the mastoid bone behind the ear can also cause pain. These types of infections often occur with redness and swelling of the outer ear or the area around the ear, and require prompt medical attention. Infections of the teeth or gums due to poor oral hygiene, abscesses, or conditions such as gingivitis can also lead to pain in the mouth that may also affect the ear.

A cross section of a tooth.
A cross section of a tooth.

Fluid that builds up inside the ear can lead to pain and pressure. The discomfort may extend down the jaw and affect the teeth as well. Eustachian tubes inside the ears can become blocked with fluid due to sinus pressure from a cold or the flu. Over-the-counter decongestants can help dry up excess fluid, and a warm compress or heating pad applied to the ear or jaw can help minimize pain. In severe cases, doctors can drain the fluid from the ear or implant tubes in the eardrums to stabilize pressure inside the ears.

Fluid in the ear may be responsible for an individual's ear pain.
Fluid in the ear may be responsible for an individual's ear pain.

Ear and tooth pain that occurs at the same time is common for people who suffer from TMJ syndrome. The temporomandibular joints on either side of the jaw can become dislocated or suffer from wear on the cartilage disks that cushion the joints, resulting in pain that may occur at the jaw joint, in the ear, or in the teeth. Treatment for TMJ syndrome includes mouth guards, jaw exercises, and bite therapy to help align the jaw and reduce clenching and grinding, which can make symptoms worse.

Leftover tooth decay is one cause of tooth pain following a filling.
Leftover tooth decay is one cause of tooth pain following a filling.

Dental problems, including cavities and tooth impaction, often lead to ear and tooth pain. Pain from problems that affect the roots of the tooth can manifest in the mouth, up the jawline to the ear, or over the entire side of the face. Wisdom teeth located at the back of the mouth often become impacted and must be removed by an oral surgeon if they lead to pain or other dental problems.

Discussion Comments

anon1005504

I had these symptoms and it was due to a sinus infection. Pain from fluid in ear radiated through the jaw to my teeth.

literally45

@MikeMason-- If you know the cause of your ear and tooth pain and have seen a doctor, that's fine. But unexplained ear and tooth pain is something to worry about.

My uncle had these symptoms for a long time and chose to ignore them. When his wife finally convinced him to see a doctor, he had lost so much time. He was diagnosed with stage three oral cancer!

People think that oral cancer always causes mouth sores and discoloration. But severe tooth pain and ear pain are also symptoms of oral cancer. It's best to see a doctor right away.

candyquilt

@MikeMason-- I had that happen to me after a root canal! I had a toothache, earache and a headache! It was quite bad but the pain relievers helped. I think it has more to do with connected nerves.

stoneMason

Whenever I have a tooth infection, I get pain not only in my jaw but also in my ear on the same side. I've asked my dentist about this and he says that the mouth and ear are connected through canals. When there is pain on one side, it's normal to feel pain in the other as well.

Before I learned about this, I thought that I had some kind of infection that was affecting my tooth and my ear.

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    • A cross section of a tooth.
      By: Andrea Danti
      A cross section of a tooth.
    • Fluid in the ear may be responsible for an individual's ear pain.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Fluid in the ear may be responsible for an individual's ear pain.
    • Leftover tooth decay is one cause of tooth pain following a filling.
      By: Michael Tieck
      Leftover tooth decay is one cause of tooth pain following a filling.
    • TMJ syndrome may cause tooth and ear pain.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      TMJ syndrome may cause tooth and ear pain.
    • A ruptured ear drum can cause pain in the inner ear.
      By: Jenny Thompson
      A ruptured ear drum can cause pain in the inner ear.
    • A sinus infection can be the cause of significant tooth pain.
      By: Innovated Captures
      A sinus infection can be the cause of significant tooth pain.
    • TMJ can cause mouth and ear pain.
      By: 9nong
      TMJ can cause mouth and ear pain.
    • A persistent toothache is one possible symptom of a dental abscess.
      By: Eléonore H
      A persistent toothache is one possible symptom of a dental abscess.