Hearing health

Toothache and earache: how TMJ and ear pain are connected

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Author: EarPros Team

Elderly woman in pain holding her ear on a sofa

Suffering toothache and earache at the same time can often be disturbing and painful. Conditions such as tooth decay, abscesses, cracked teeth, damaged fillings, or infections can cause toothache and ear pain on the same side. Treating the underlying dental condition is key to relieving these symptoms. A visit to the dentist is recommended for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include pain management strategies, antibiotics, or specific dental procedures. When experiencing toothache and earache together, ears can also be damaged. Prompt ENT consultation is essential for diagnosing and alleviating toothache and ear pain. Let's see all the symptoms and possible remedies. If the ear pain is associated with ears ringing and you're also experiencing bruxism, teeth grinding, or malocclusion, check out our article about TMJ tinnitus.

Can toothache cause earache?

Yes, it can. When you experience a toothache, especially if it's on the same side as your ear, it can lead to pain in the area. Sufferers often complain about ear pain either on the left or the right side. This occurs due to the proximity of the dental and ear nerves, which are connected areas.

Various dental issues, such as tooth decay, abscesses, and gum infections can cause toothache and ear pain on the same side. When these problems affect nearby nerves, the pain can radiate to the ear, causing discomfort and earache. The proximity of teeth and ears and the nerve connections in the facial area mean that pain can travel along shared nerve pathways, transferring pain from one area to the other.

Additionally, trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a condition where the trigeminal nerve is compressed, can also result in ear pain from a toothache. The trigeminal nerve controls facial sensations and can transmit pain signals to the ear when irritated by dental issues.

Can infected tooth cause ear pain and clogged ear?

Yes, a tooth infection can potentially cause clogged ears and ear pain. The connection between dental issues and ear problems is known as referred pain, where pain in one area of the body is felt in another. If you have a tooth infection, the discomfort can extend to your ears due to the proximity of the affected areas and nerve connections. Moreover, a bacterial tooth infection can spread to your ears. If you experience fever, fatigue, or severe symptoms along with toothache and earache, it could indicate a serious infection spreading. Seek prompt medical or dental attention.

Toothache and ear pain in the same side

Experiencing earache and toothache on the same side can point to various underlying issues:

Dental Abscess: This condition involves a buildup of pus in a tooth and can lead to pain in both the tooth and the ear on the affected side. Treatment typically involves dental procedures such as root canal therapy to relieve both the toothache and the ear pain. Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum include intense, throbbing pain in the affected location that may come on suddenly and get gradually worse, pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum or that's worse when lying down.
TMJ and ear pain: Issues with the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can cause pain in the jaw and ear on one side. This may stem from jaw misalignment, bruxism, teeth grinding, or clenching, necessitating treatment from a dental or oral health specialist.
Sinus Infection: They can cause facial pain, including simultaneous toothache and earache on one side. Addressing the sinus infection can help reduce these pains.
Ear Infection: Sometimes, an ear infection can lead to referred pain in the teeth on the same side. Treating the ear infection can alleviate both ear and tooth pain.
Infection Spread: In severe cases, a tooth infection can spread to nearby areas, including the ears, leading to concurrent toothache and earache

Lower jaw toothache and ear pain in the same side

Experiencing toothache, TMJ and ear pain can stem from several issues, largely due to the close connection between the ear and jaw regions. Some patients complain about pain under the ear behind the jaw bone on the left side or in the neck area.

Problems with the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) can cause simultaneous ear and jaw pain. This might be due to habits like bruxism, teeth grinding or clenching. Stress management, using a night guard, or consulting a dentist for treatment can alleviate symptoms.

Conditions like osteoarthritis, migraines, or teeth grinding can also lead to pain in the ear and jaw. For ongoing or intense pain, consulting a healthcare professional is key to identifying the exact cause and receiving suitable treatment.

Toothache ear pain in the same side home remedies

While there are home remedies that might offer temporary ease, it's crucial to seek professional medical or dental advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few toothache and ear pain in the same side home remedies and non-medicinal strategies that might provide some comfort:

Warm saltwater rinse can act as a natural disinfectant for your mouth, potentially easing inflammation and, by extension, reducing tooth and ear discomfort.
Applying clove oil around the ailing tooth may relieve pain due to its natural pain-relieving properties, but it should not be applied inside the ear.
Adding ginger and garlic to your meals might help mitigate pain through their anti-inflammatory effects, potentially soothing both tooth and ear aches.
TMJ Disorders remedies: For those suffering from issues related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), employing methods such as bite splints or night guards can alleviate jaw tension. Additionally, relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, massage, or physical therapy may aid in managing TMJ-associated discomfort.

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Headache, toothache and earache

A toothache can lead to headaches and ear pain. Untreated tooth infections may escalate to migraines, characterized by intense, one-sided headaches often accompanied by nausea. An abscessed tooth can produce moderate to severe discomfort, potentially spreading to the ear or neck. The pain from a decayed or infected tooth can manifest not just in the area itself but also as a toothache with ear pain and headache due to the proximity and interconnectedness of nerves in the face and head.

Dental issues often activate nerve pain pathways, resulting in referred pain that might be felt in the ears or as a headache. In more severe instances, an infection might extend to surrounding areas, causing toothache with ear and jaw pain.

Ear pain when swallowing and sore throat

In addition to toothache, several patients also describe pain at the back of the ear, in particular when swallowing or an aching pain behind the ear. For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, particularly if the ear pain is persistent or severe. It's crucial to address the underlying cause to alleviate the discomfort and prevent potential complications. Experiencing pain in the ear when swallowing can be indicative of several issues, ranging from infections to anatomical irregularities:

Ear Infections: Often, an infection in the middle ear, caused by bacteria or viruses, is the primary culprit behind ear pain associated with swallowing, leading to discomfort within the ear.
Nasopharyngeal Infections: Infections in the throat and nasal passages can also trigger ear pain due to the interconnected nature of the ear, nose, and throat areas, affecting the ear during swallowing movements.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Problems with the eustachian tubes, which help balance ear pressure, may cause discomfort or pain in the ear, especially noticeable when swallowing, due to the pressure fluctuations.
Additional Factors: Less common issues like Eagle syndrome, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, or direct injury to the ear canal might also lead to intermittent or persistent sharp pain in the ear that comes and goes in adults.

Toothache and earache at night: why it worsen?

Toothaches may worsen at night for various reasons, including increased blood flow to the head when lying down, leading to more intense pain. Dental conditions such as infections or tooth decay can exacerbate nighttime discomfort. To get immediate relief from earache and toothache:

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
Elevate your head while sleeping.

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How to relieve ear pain from toothache

Elderly couple using a tablet and smiling

To alleviate ear discomfort stemming from a toothache, it's crucial to adopt the following measures. Firstly, pinpoint the root cause of the ear pain to confirm whether it's linked to dental issues. Given the ear canal's proximity to the teeth, toothaches can often lead to ear pain. Here are toothache and earache remedies:

Dental consultation if you suspect the discomfort originates from a dental condition. A dentist can diagnose and treat various dental problems, such as cavities or fractures, which may be causing the pain.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective for immediate pain relief. Adhering to the recommended dosage is important to avoid complications.
Applying a warm compress or cold pack to the affected ear can also provide soothing relief and help reduce inflammation.
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is key to preventing future dental issues that could lead to ear pain. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Ear drops for pain may offer temporary relief, but their use should be guided by professional advice to ensure safety and effectiveness.

FAQ about earache and toothache

What's different between earache and toothache?

Understanding the distinction and difference between earache and toothache involves examining their causes, pain locations, and associated symptoms:

Causes:

Earache: Commonly results from fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, infections in the ear canal or middle ear, inflammation, and illnesses like colds and flu.
Toothache: Arises from dental conditions such as cavities, gum disease, tooth or gum infections, cracked teeth, or referred pain from sinus infections impacting the teeth.

Pain Location:

Earache: Pain is experienced within or around the ear, often deep inside the ear canal.
Toothache: Pain is localized to the affected tooth or adjacent areas in the mouth.

Symptoms:

Earache: Symptoms can include pain in the ear, difficulty hearing, balance issues, and potentially fever if an ear infection is present.
Toothache: Characterized by localized pain in the tooth, sensitivity to temperature changes, and possibly swollen or reddened gums around the tooth.

In certain instances, ear pain might stem from dental problems, indicating referred pain from tooth inflammation. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, consulting a healthcare professional or dentist is crucial.

Can a dead tooth cause tinnitus and ears ringing?

Yes, a dead or non-vital tooth can be connected to tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. A tooth infection can cause ringing in the ears as well. Tinnitus can be caused by dental issues such as infections and nerve damage in the teeth. An infection under a dead tooth can lead to various health concerns, including ears ringing. In some cases, a root canal procedure may be performed on a problematic tooth, but tinnitus symptoms may persist if the infection or inflammation isn't fully resolved.

Can a broken tooth cause ear pain?

Yes, a broken tooth can cause ear pain. This is often due to the interconnected nature of dental and facial structures. Here's why:

Trauma or cracked tooth: A broken or cracked tooth can lead to throbbing tooth pain that may radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck on the same side as the affected tooth. This pain can be felt in the ear as well.
A tooth abscess, which can result from a broken tooth, can cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw. Swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth are common symptoms accompanying this condition.
Neglected oral hygiene and dental issues can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation that affects various parts of the body, including the ears.

Can a blocked Eustachian tube cause tooth pain?

A blocked Eustachian tube can indirectly cause tooth pain, but it's not a direct cause. Eustachian tubes are responsible for regulating air pressure in the middle ear. When these tubes become blocked or dysfunctional, it can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, which may radiate to the jaw and teeth. The discomfort caused by ETD can sometimes be felt in the jaw or teeth area due to the proximity of the eustachian tubes to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Can toothache cause eye and ear pain?

Yes, a toothache can cause eye and ear pain. The trigeminal nerve carries pain sensations from various parts of the face, including the teeth, eyes, and ears. When you have a toothache, it can lead to headaches and eye pain due to the interconnectedness of the trigeminal nerve. Also, tooth decay, cavities, abscesses, and other dental problems can cause significant pain, which can radiate to nearby areas, including the ears and eyes. Moreover, temporal tendonitis can result in ear pain, eye pain, and sensitivity of the teeth, particularly the upper maxillary teeth. This condition can be treated with anti-inflammatories and other methods

Can wisdom toothache and earache be related?

Yes, they can. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located at the back of the mouth. When they become impacted or cause issues, they can potentially affect the nearby structures, including the ears.

Can a cavity cause ear pain?

Yes, a cavity can cause ear pain due to referred pain. Dental issues like cavities can cause pain that radiates to nearby areas, including the ears. Dental evaluation is crucial to address the underlying cause of the pain. Treating the cavity through dental procedures like fillings can alleviate both tooth and ear pain.

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