Ear infections are the usual reasons for earaches and ear pain. Sometimes, the pain may spread to other parts near the ear. So, can an ear infection cause jaw pain? In fact, many conditions can cause pain in both your jaw and ears at the same time. A typical example is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If your jaw hurts regularly, it might be good to check in at a dental clinic for the TMJ test. Check out this clinic at www.infinitydentalcare.com.au.
Ear infections are the usual reasons for earaches and ear pain. Sometimes, the pain may spread to other parts near the ear. So, can an ear infection cause jaw pain? In fact, many conditions can cause pain in both your jaw and ears at the same time. A typical example is a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If your jaw hurts regularly, it might be good to check in at a dental clinic for the TMJ test. Check out this clinic at www.infinitydentalcare.com.au.
Ear Pain: About Ear Infection
Ear infections can cause significant pain around, behind, or inside the ear. At times, this ear pain transmits to a sinus or sinuses, jaw, or teeth.
Most of the time, bacteria or viruses cause ear infections. Also, an ear infection can occur when water or different liquids develop in the ear.
An individual with an ear infection may develop different symptoms, for example, earache, congestion, fever, and low energy. The pain of ear infections can be severe and may deteriorate without treatment.
An untreated ear infection can escalate to different areas of the body. Some individuals foster an infection known as mastoiditis, a condition in the mastoid bone close to the ear. When this occurs, an individual may encounter swelling near the ear, hearing issues, or a high fever. Extreme instances of mastitis can be dangerous and need immediate treatment.
Ear and Jaw Pain: Other Conditions
Jaw and ear pain may happen together since the two parts are not far from each other. Additionally, you may experience ear and jaw pain because of referred pain. This occurs when a piece of your body feels pain, although the pain source is found elsewhere.
Below are some common causes of jaw and ear pain.
TMJ Disorder
Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can result in a broad scope of symptoms, such as, most noticeably, jaw and ear pain.
Also, some individuals get eye pain, headaches, and even sinus pressure. Numerous conditions and variables can cause TMJ pain, including:
- arthritis
- teeth grinding
- muscle injuries
- issues with the arrangement of the teeth or jaw
Even though TMJ can be excruciating, many treatment options can help manage or even get rid of symptoms.
Sternocleidomastoid Pain
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a paired superficial muscle that extends from simply under the ear down to the clavicle. Traumas to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, just as eye pressure, sinus pain, and different symptoms that an individual may confuse with indications of a cold or infection.
An injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit when an individual has these symptoms yet has no injuries and no other indications of infection like a fever or runny nose. A doctor may preclude different causes, such as infections of the center or inner ear, by completing an actual assessment.
Oral Infections
Sometimes, a dental abscess can cause pain that spreads to the jaw or ear.
Often, an individual will also have swelling in the gums or weaknesses in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth vanishes and afterward returns as pain in the jaw or ear, which may flag that the infection is spreading.
Jaw Injuries
A broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the encompassing muscles are all forms of injuries that could cause jaw pain that transmits to the ear.
Suppose an individual observes jaw torment and earache not long after a car accident, a fall, or a hit to the head. In that case, they may have a jaw injury that requires medical treatment.
Tooth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can place weight on the face, neck, and jaw muscles. The strain can cause pain in the ears, jaws, and the front or side of the face. Some individuals may likewise harm their teeth, gradually grinding them down or even breaking them.
Home Treatments
It is easy to cure jaw and ear pain at home when it is not caused by a severe injury or underlying infection. Individuals can attempt the following techniques:
- Sleep with a nightguard to forestall tooth grinding. Various sorts of mouthguards are accessible for purchase on the web. If the device helps but does not treat the symptoms, an individual may require a custom mouthguard from a dentist.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
- Try applying warmth or ice to the affected area, as this can soothe pain and advance healing.
- Gently massage the jaw to decrease muscle strain.
- Try stretching the musculus sternocleidomastoideus by shifting the ear down toward the shoulder and maintaining the position for five to ten seconds. Then, do it on the opposite side.
- Exercise your jaw muscles by opening the mouth and extending out the lower jaw, then, at that point, hold the position for five to ten seconds, as well. Then, try moving the teeth ahead and back and from one side to another in a circular movement.
Medical Treatment
Most infections usually require antibiotics. At times, an individual needs other medical considerations, mainly on extreme conditions, such as mastoiditis.
If home remedies are not effective, medical treatment alternatives include:
- TMJ surgery to reduce TMJ pain
- orthodontic treatment to address misalignment of the jaw and teeth
- mental health intervention, for when an individual grinds their teeth due to anxiety
- a custom-fitted appliance to avoid the side effects of tooth grinding
- physical treatment to manage arthritis or address jaw injuries more effectively
- prescription medicine for arthritis
- more potent pain relievers for arthritis or TMJ disorders
- treatment for cavities, such as root canals, fillings, or crowns
- chiropractic services
When To Visit A Doctor
It is essential to see a doctor if the pain of your ear and jaw:
- occurs with a fever or other flu-like symptoms
- interferes in your daily activities
- gets the way with your sleep
- inhibits your capacity to eat and drink
- continues despite treatments
- causes sensitivity or pain in your gums or teeth
References:
How to treat ear infections.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167409
Temporomandibular Joint Pain.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/temporomandibular-joint-disorder
Dental abscess.
