A variety of conditions can cause an earache and toothache, and the two symptoms are often related. Common causes include sinus problems, poor dental health, and various infections. People suffering from ear and tooth pain might have allergies and acute sinusitis, infections, swollen glands, or serious dental problems. Individuals with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) also often experience discomfort in the jaw and ears.
Some people suffer from frequent earache and toothache as a result of sinus problems. Certain sinuses in the face connect to the nasal cavity and regulate temperature changes so that the eyes and roots of the teeth are not affected by rapid shifts in temperature. When an individual has a sinus infection, the passageways often become inflamed and clogged with mucus. As this happens, the sinuses expand and swell, causing pressure to build in the nasal cavity and surrounding areas, including the ears and dental roots along the jaw. As a result, a person with a sinus infection often experiences a tight, sore upper jaw, as well as an earache and a toothache.
A sinus infection can also spread, and a person has one — or even a common cold — might develop swollen glands. Like sinus pressure, swollen glands often cause pain around the neck, jaw, and ears.
Dental problems are a very common cause of toothache and earache pain. Common dental issues include tooth decay, fractured or cracked teeth, an exposed tooth root, damaged fillings, and infected gums. People who grind their teeth at night are also likely to experience pain.
Individuals who grind their teeth are also prone to TMJ, which can also produce pain in the ears and teeth. Pain associated with this condition is often more acute in the morning, as the individual may have ground his or her teeth throughout the night. Although this is a common cause of TMJ, there are many other reasons why people develop this condition.
In less common scenarios, people have experienced earache or toothache pain as a reaction to certain medications. Some amphetamines, in particular, cause people to tighten their jaw, resulting in sore jaw muscles and possibly toothache pain. Individuals suffering from earache and toothache pain should always inform a medical professional of any medications they may be taking.