Can Ear Infection Cause Toothache

Many people experience minor toothaches at certain points in their lives. While not all aches are serious and problematic, still it is better to seek professional dental help when necessary. What many don’t realize is that the cause of a toothache is not limited to dental problems. There are non-dental causes which may be serious when not diagnosed and treated.

Dental Issues

Maintaining oral health is important in preventing toothache and other dental issues. Not taking care of your teeth and gums can lead to various problems. The most common causes are the following:

• Inflamed Tooth. This happens when the cavity has caused decay which already affects the pulp inside the gum. Due to the presence of bacteria and decay, the pulp and gums get inflamed and infected. This affects the nerve endings of the teeth, hence, the pain. When the tooth is already badly damaged and is beyond saving, your best option may be tooth extraction.
• Abscessed Tooth. This is an infectious material affecting the root of the tooth. This is already caused by cavities. This happens when the decay has spread to the pulp and the root of the tooth. When the body reacts, the result is an abscess, which is very painful. The best way to treat this is not extraction, but to drain the abscess through a root canal procedure.
• Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth in itself is not painful. However, when it affects the pulp of the tooth, that is where the problem starts. It can cause inflammation and pain. Luckily, there are various dental procedures available to fix this, depending on the extent of the damage. Your options include root canal, crown tooth, and stabilization.
• Periodontitis. This is a type of gum disease which is more known as gingivitis. This happens when the gums and the roots of the tooth are inflamed. This is caused by poor oral hygiene and bacteria buildup.

Non-Dental Causes

Just because you have tooth pain doesn’t mean your problem is strictly dental. In some causes, toothache could be a sign of other illnesses or problems. If your teeth hurt, it may be because of other non-dental causes such as the following:

• Ear Infection. To answer the question if ear infection can cause a toothache, yes, having a toothache from ear infection is normal. People with undiagnosed ear infection often experience pain in the jaw and teeth. This is because of the proximity of the ears to the said areas. If you experience ear ache, jaw pain and toothache, chances are you have an ear infection. The best way to find out is to go to a specialist. The good news is that such infection can be easily treated and usually goes away in two weeks time.
• Sinusitis. This is another possible cause of a toothache. The reason why the pain radiates to the jaw and teeth area is because of their proximity to the sinuses. Tooth pain can occur due to the pressure caused by sinus build up. If the cause is sinus infection, go to a specialist for proper treatment.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia.

In rare cases, this condition can manifest as a tooth pain. It is a disease that affects the facial nerves known as the trigeminal nerve. When this nerve malfunctions or functions hyper-actively, the person may experience enhanced pain in the facial areas, including the jaws. It is best to have your condition treated immediately by a proper medical professional.

• Heart Attack. Although this least happens, toothache could be a sign of a heart attack. In certain cases, people who are suffering from heart attack experience referred pain in the teeth and jaw. If you have cardiovascular problems or heart issues, then you must watch out for such signs and symptoms.

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 ache and tooth pain:

Toothache Symptoms

• Pain inside or/and around the tooth
• Bad breath
• Swollen glands
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Fever
• Inflammation
• Ear ache

Earache Symptoms

• Pain in or/and around the ear
• Jaw pain
• Difficulty hearing
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sinus issues
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

When you experience a recurring toothache and other symptoms, it is best to go see a dental professional. This is not only important for the treatment but also to prevent further damage. While a toothache may not be that harmless, when left untreated, it may lead to more complicated dental and non-dental issues.

Do not wait for your toothache to progress and become worse. Immediately see a dental professional you can trust. Schedule an appointment with East Valley Dental Professionals. We help our patients not only by taking care of their teeth and gums and treating their dental problems; but also by teaching them proper oral hygiene techniques and strategies. Our concern is for you to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.

The statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author of the blog is contracted third-party writer. East Valley Dental Professionals LLC does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any message and will not be held responsible for the content of any message. Always consult your dentist or your other personal physicians for specific medical advice.