Ear and jaw pain may occur from
a TMJ disorder
. Around 10 to 15 percent of adults may experience a TMJ disorder. These disorders cause inflammation and pain in your TMJ. Facial pain and ear discomfort are the most common complaints of this condition.
When should I go to the doctor for jaw and ear pain?
Seek medical attention if you
have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw
, or if you can’t open or close your jaw completely. Your doctor, your dentist or a TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem.
Can your jaw hurt from an ear infection?
If you’re experiencing mouth pain, it could be a sign of an ear infection. In some cases, undiagnosed ear infections can lead to tooth or jaw pain. Thankfully, pain in your ears, teeth or jaw can often be treated with
over-the-counter
pain medication.
How do I know if I have an ear infection or TMJ?
Patients can experience
ear pain
or clogged ears that they might pass off as an ear infection or allergies but is actually from TMD. TMD can also cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears from nerve irritation). If your ears regularly have pain, stuffiness, or ringing, it’s best to get examined for TMJ.
Why does my jaw hurt with ear infection?
Often, ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. They can also be caused when water or other fluids build up in and around your ear, leaving you susceptible to earache or jaw, specifically pain under the ear, behind the jaw bone.
How do you relieve jaw pain in the ear?
- Change your diet to incorporate more soft foods.
- Stop chewing gum or other objects, such as the ends of pens or pencils.
- Relax and rest your jaw.
- Use a warm or cold compress to the jaw.
- Perform exercises that stretch the jaw, including slowly opening and closing your mouth several times.
- Avoid stress.
When should I be concerned about jaw pain?
If you have severe, worsening, or persistent jaw pain, you should consult with your doctor or dentist
as soon as you can
. Pain in the face or jaw that worsens when the person uses their jaw (pain could range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation).
Can earwax buildup cause jaw pain?
An
ear infection
can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth. In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections.
What does cardiac jaw pain feel like?
This is sometimes described as a stabbing pain, or a feeling of tightness, pressure, or squeezing. Jaw pain. This is sometimes described as feeling like
a bad toothache
.
What happens if TMJ is left untreated?
Although not life threatening, if TMJ disorder is left untreated, it can
contribute to significant discomfort and tension
. Chronic pain can even lead to the development of diseases like anxiety and depression.
What causes TMJ to flare up?
While there are several reasons a patient can experience sudden or severe jaw pain,
inflammation and overworked muscles
tend to be the most common causes of TMJ flare-ups. Many physical changes and lifestyle habits can contribute to swelling around the joint and muscle tension.
Does TMJ go away on its own?
Minor TMJ discomfort will usually go away without treatment
. However, anyone with the following TMJ symptoms should consider an evaluation to prevent or avoid future issues: Constant or repeated episodes of pain or tenderness at the TMJ or in and around the ear. Discomfort or pain while chewing.
Do ear infections go away on their own?
You may think of ear infections as something only kids get. Ear infections are less common in grown children and adults, but they can still happen.
Ear infections often go away on their own
and don’t need medical attention.
How can I relax my jaw?
Repeat small mouth-opening and mouth-closing movements several times as a warm up. Then, place your fingers on the top of your front four bottom teeth.
Slowly pull down
until you feel slight discomfort on the tight side of your jaw. Hold for 30 seconds, and then slowly release your jaw back to the staring position.
How long does ear infection last?
Most ear infections clear up
within 3 days
, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.
Can a sinus infection cause jaw pain?
Sinus pain can also give you earaches, dental pain, and pain in your jaws and cheeks.
