What does it mean when you have a toothache and your ear hurts?

The short answer is yes – a toothache can cause an earache. Often, this is due to the close proximity of the jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), to the ear. When a tooth has decayed or is infected, the problem with the tooth can radiate from the jaw and be felt in the ear.

Can a bad tooth make your ear hurt?

Depending on the cause and intensity, the pain and tenderness from an infected or decayed tooth can extend beyond the tooth and feel like a headache or earache. In fact, many common dental and oral health problems can result in symptoms, like ear pain.

Can a tooth infection cause jaw and ear pain?

A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw. In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.

How to tell the difference between a toothache and an Earache?

If the pain is accompanied by the presence of a cold or flu,it’s more likely to be an earache or sinus infection.

Can a toothache cause an Earache?

In many cases, people experience a toothache and earache at the same time while only one body part is causing it. An earache can be caused by an ear infection, but since an ear infection is not as common as a toothache, people should consider the fact that, in most cases, earache is due to the pain in their teeth, gums, or jaws.

Can toothaches cause ear pain?

Absolutely. Yes, a toothache can cause pain in the ear, especially if it is on the lower arch of teeth. The pain will radiate to the ear. Jaw joint problems will cause ear aches. The joint is next to the ear and any pressure from the joint will translate to the inner ear and cause pain.