Experiencing Toothache And Ear Pain In The Same Side
Generally speaking, we can say that several underlying issues might lead to simultaneous tooth and ear pain occurrence. For this reason, it would be better to ask a medical professional about it. This way, we can assure what the actual cause is.
Otherwise, prolonging the condition might lead to something severe in the end. For instance, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body. As a result, your overall health can also incur a problem in the long run.
In this case, would you still want to reach that point before you act on it? Earlier application of treatment will be massively beneficial for you. You are indeed saving yourself from more severe issues and more expensive treatment options, such as dental surgery.
What Different Types Of Tooth Pain Mean
Toothaches range from moderate, occasional zings to throbbing pain that leaves you pacing the living room floor all night. Our family dentists in Albertville recommend addressing any dental pain with the dentist, as treating it early on is likely to prevent you from experiencing uncomfortable pain later on. However, heres what the different types of tooth pain mean.
Mild Pain In Your Jaw Or Ear May Not Be A Cause For Concern
Since root canal treatment requires you to hold your mouth open for a long period of time during the procedure, you may experience some discomfort in your jaw. This pain could radiate to your ear, particularly if an upper molar was treated for an infection.
In addition, the area near your tooth and ear may feel sore due to the injections used to numb the area prior to treatment, causing similar sensations of soreness and pain. This type of pain is nothing to worry about, and it should fade after a few days.
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What Exactly Causes Toothache And Earache At The Same Time
In this article, we will be exploring a few likely causes of the simultaneous pain you are experiencingthe primary one being the need for a root canal. When a tooth is badly damaged or decaying, it starts to hurt as a way of letting you know that it needs attention. And this pain can be so strong that it radiates to nearby areas such as your ears, leading us to convince ourselves that we might have an ear infection.In actual fact, you could well be suffering from a toothache. The most likely cause of interconnected tooth and ear pain is a trauma to the area, a cavity, or even a cracked tooth. A root canal is the main way of resolving this issue and eliminating the pain you are experiencing once and for all.
Many people freak out when they hear the term root canal when, in actual fact, it is a routine procedure that is carried out by dentists several times each day. Yes, it can be painfulas with any intrusive procedurebut the brief pain you will experience is nothing compared to what you will experience if you ignore it. The sole purpose of a root canal is to remove the part of your tooth that is damaged and to clean, fill, and seal the gap left behind. The procedure focuses on fixing the inner canals in the root of your tooth, hence its name.
So Yes Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Ear Pain But What About Sore Throat

If the problem causing the tooth is not resolved quickly, bacteria can accumulate in this area. This is because it can be difficult to reach the brush in this way or it can be very painful to brush well and floss. In that case, you can get an infection in this area. In that case, symptoms such as sore throat, fever or swollen lymph nodes may occur.
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How To Care For Your Teeth And Gums
To ensure that a rich supply of blood can reach your cochlea, it is important that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Luckily, this doesnt require a lot of time or effort just consistency. Once you get into the habit of caring for your teeth and gums properly, it will feel like just another part of your daily routine. Follow these basic rules, and ask your dentist if you have any questions:
- BRUSH: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals. Brush for two minutes or more each time using a soft-bristle brush. Be sure to select the right size of toothbrush it should be able to fit into the back corners of your mouth and reach all the surfaces of your teeth. After you brush, rinse your toothbrush and let it air dry. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and do not let anyone borrow your toothbrush.
- FLOSS: Floss your teeth at least once a day, wrapping a new section of floss around each tooth each time. You should use at least 18 inches of floss.
- VISIT THE DENTIST: Schedule a cleaning and evaluation with your dentist every six months. The dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, but this doesnt eliminate the need for daily brushing and flossing at home. Your dentist or hygienist may provide feedback to help you improve your oral hygiene routine. During the evaluation portion of the appointment, your dentist will look for symptoms of dental issues, diagnose any ailments, and recommend treatments.
How To Tell The Difference Between A Toothache And An Earache
Experiencing a toothache or an earache can be irritating and painful, but not knowing how to identify whether you are experiencing a toothache or an earache can be even more irritating and painful. Failing to tell the difference between these aches can lead to neither of them being treated properly.
Many people confuse whether they are suffering from a toothache or an earache. Sometimes, a toothache and an earache can be related or having overlapping qualities. In order to tell the difference between a toothache and an earache, it is important to know what the symptoms and causes of each are.
- Toothache Symptoms:
In rare cases, complications do arise. These can include:
- Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
- Ludwigâs angina, which occurs when cellulitis spreads into the tissues under the tongue, in the lower jaw and under the chin. It is also known as submandibular cellulitis/submandibular space infection.
- Osteomyelitis, an infection of underlying bone.
- Parapharyngeal abscess, an abscess at the back of the mouth, near the throat. It is caused by staphylococcal and/or streptococcal bacteria. It is most common in children aged five years or younger.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis, which can occur when the infection spreads into the blood vessels in the sinuses of the head.
These conditions require very urgent medical attention and are best evaluated via a hospital emergency department.
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Common Scenarios You Need To Be Aware Of
Any of these conditions might be the underlying cause of your unusual toothache and ear pain. However, the following reasons require attention from your medical supports to keep them from worsening. Additionally, any of them can affect your daily activities.
1 Osteoarthritis
This condition is the most common type of arthritis possible to develop inside the temporomandibular joint . As a result, you will experience a limited range of motion, stiffness, and pain in your TMJ.
In this case, you might get a referral to a rheumatologist. There are over-the-counter medicines to address minor pains. Meanwhile, for severe cases, prescription medicines would be necessary. They may also consider dental surgery for TMJ dysfunction.
2 Sinus Infection
It might appear like pain from a toothache or ear infection when you have a sinus infection. Moreover, sinus infection often feels like nasal congestion, post-nasal drips, and two we mentioned earlier.
The treatment options you may apply for sinus infection are anti-histamines, allergy drugs, or decongestants. However, it would be best to ask a physician if your case is not a minor one. Other medication will be necessary for that.
3 Ear Infection
A person might experience an infection in either ear or can be both. This infection can cause severe pain, radiating into the teeth or jaws. That is why you might also mistake it for toothache. On the other hand, the best thing that you should do is seek medical attention.
4 Oral Issues
5 Bruxism
When Dental Pain Is Trigeminal Neuralgia
If someone is experiencing chronic pain in their teeth or face that is described as a sharp, shooting pain, the problem may not be dental at all. Trigeminal Neuralgia occurs when the trigeminal nerve is compressed. Because this pain is often felt in the teeth, jaw, and face, it is often misdiagnosed as a dental issue.
Pain that is triggered by chewing or swallowing, talking, head movement, vibrations, or a cool breeze could indicate trigeminal neuralgia . Described as a monotonous pain with bouts of electric shocks of pain, TN may worsen overtime. Medical treatment can help and should be sought.
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Can Dental Problems Cause Ear Painby Andrew Mortensen Dds On March 21 2019
The ears, nose, and throat are connected through a delicate network of tubes, canals, and passageways. That is one reason why diagnosing a problem in any one of those three areas often requires an examination of the others.
Ear pain can result from dental problems. Dr. Andrew Mortensen understands the connection between ear pain and oral health. Here, we discuss dental problems that can cause ear pain. We also offer a range of restorative dentistry services at our Fountain Valley, CA practice.
Tooth Infection Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of the tooth infection, treatment may include:
Dental Abscess Treatment
During this procedure, your dentist will make a small incision into your gums and drain the abscess. They will drain all of the pus out before stitching it back up to ensure the bacteria is removed. If your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, extraction will likely be necessary. Youll need a dental implant after the tooth is surgically removed, which can cost up to $4,000.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is necessary if you have a large cavity that has spread to the tooths pulp. This treatment can also involve abscess draining. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected dental pulp and drain the abscess. The root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Then a dental crown is placed on top of the root canal treated tooth.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat dental abscesses. After the abscess is drained, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the remaining infection. Antibiotics alone do not cure abscesses. Depending on the severity of your abscess or infection, you may need oral antibiotics or IV antibiotics.
Summary
Three common treatment options for tooth abscesses include drainage , root canal treatment, and antibiotics.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Tooth Infection
You may only experience toothache and sensitivity in the early stages of a dental infection. However, it will go away if you take any pain medication.
If the underlying problem is not treated in a timely fashion, the infection can lead to the formation of a tooth abscess. According to the National Health Service, an abscess is a pus-filled cavity that forms around infected teeth, gums, or the bone that supports our teeth. Dental abscesses are not only painful, but they indicate a severe infection that should not be overlooked. According to the American Dental Association, some of the symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- Swelling and redness of the face on the side of the affected tooth
- Severe, throbbing pain in the affected tooth
- The pain may also radiate towards the ears, jaws or neck on the same side
- Tender and mobile teeth
- Shiny, red, and swollen gums
- Pus discharge from the affected tooth
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Difficulty in chewing or opening mouth
The Cure For An Ear Infection Or Sinusitis

The good news is that your teeth should be fine, even if you have multiple ear or sinus infections that result in tooth pain. As far as treatment goes, often these infections will resolve themselves on their own over time. The pain that results can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, including pain killers, saline sprays, or nasal decongestants, or even home remedies. Antibiotics may be required for persistent infections that do not resolve on their own, but because of overuse of antibiotics, doctor often take a wait and see approach first.
If you have tooth pain, particularly in your upper molars, your dentist can help you discover the cause. Keep in mind that he may advise that you see a doctor instead if he sees that your teeth and gums look healthy and problem free. Your problem may very well be sinusitis or an ear infection instead.
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Can A Bad Tooth Cause Inner Ear Problems
Tooth Infection
Damage to the labyrinth, or the small, fluid-filled structure found in the inner ear that helps control balance, is generally the reason for dizziness. This is due to severe tooth infections that spread to the ear nerves. Other tooth infection symptoms include: Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
Ear Pain And Toothache
These two can be very painful and irritating. The problem is that ear pain could be a sign of a dental problem, and on the other hand, a tooth pain could be a sign of ear infection. It is difficult to pinpoint which is causing which. Telling the difference between the two is important so that you will get the proper treatment. So to guide you, here are some differences in the symptoms of ear pain and toothache:
Toothache Symptoms
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Fever
- Pain in or/and around the ear
- Jaw pain
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Many People Who Suffer From Tinnitus Frequently Describe Hearing A High
From a dental perspective, when patients have an underlying TMJ condition that involves compressed joints, we find that leads to the effect of ringing in the ears. Compressed jaw joints can be a causative factor of the ringing of the ears. The major part of TMJ therapy is always to decompress the joint.
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Discussing A Solution With Your Dentist
If you are experiencing ear or mouth pain, its vital to schedule an exam with Dr. Kim Okamura DDS. Any cranial or facial pain can be signs of a severe health issue. Discussing these problems with your dentist means getting the pain relief you need as soon as possible while preventing any severe potential wellness issues down the road.
For more information about the link between earaches and dental issues, be sure to contact our Seattle office today.
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Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Toothache
Toothache is more painful than other organs pain of our body. It makes a very annoying situation at night. Many reasons may cause toothache as described in above. A dentist diagnose the causes for toothache and take steps what necessary. So if you have a toothache you should go to the dentist, but before going to a dentist you can try these remedies below to get relieve at home quickly.
Your Ear Pain May Not Be Caused By Your Ears
Experiencing an earache can be quite painful at times, and most immediate assumptions are that the pain is the result of some issue within your ear. However, that ear pain you are experiencing may not be related to an ear condition at all. A number of dental health problems can lead to earaches as a symptom.
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Get The Oral Health Assistance You Need
Dental problems are very delicate they can lead to more significant issues within your body. If you notice anything unusual on your mouth, its better to visit a dentist as soon as possible, like canker sore and swollen lymph nodes. If youre looking for a dentist in Knoxville, TN, look no further than Jim Erpenbach DDS.
Dr. Erpenbach is a founding member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and an accredited member of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. He is a compassionate dentist who thrives on giving his patients conservative care and high-quality service. If you want to receive unparalleled care from the best dentist in Knoxville, TN, contact the best today.
Oral Health Problems That Lead To Ear Pain

Sometimes, an ear infection can cause tooth pain. In other instances, dental problems can lead to earaches. When determining the cause of your pain, Dr. Mortensen will examine your mouth, and discuss your symptoms and medical history with you.
For the majority of patients, these dental conditions can be the source of ear pain.
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Other Common Questions And Answers
What is the best antibiotic to treat a tooth infection?
Amoxicillin and penicillin are commonly prescribed to help treat dental abscesses.
Can you treat a tooth infection without antibiotics?
Antibiotics alone cannot treat tooth infections . If a dental abscess is asymptomatic, you may require a root canal or extraction and will not need antibiotics. The source of the infection is what needs to be addressed and treated.
How can I prevent tooth infections?
Its crucial to practice good dental hygiene to prevent tooth infections. This includes drinking fluoridated water, brushing your teeth twice a day, using dental floss daily, and replacing your toothbrush every three months.
Does a throbbing tooth mean infection?
Throbbing tooth pain can be an indicator of an infection. An abscess may be present if you also notice any gum swelling, tooth sensitivity, or have a fever. Call your dentist immediately if you suspect you have a dental abscess or if it ruptures.
Can tooth infection cause stomach problems?
Yes, a common symptom of a tooth infection spreading to the body is stomach discomfort and may include pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Can a tooth infection cause you to feel tired?
You may feel chronically tired or fatigued if you have a dental abscess, primarily if the infection spreads.
How do you know if you have sepsis from a tooth infection?