Tooth and ear pain on the same side, what to do? What are the solutions? What are the causes of dental pain up to the ear? The link between toothache and blocked ear? Why is sometimes dental pain accompanied by a swelling of the ganglion in the neck? And finally, where does diffuse tooth pain come from?
I. Causes of Tooth and Ear Pain on the Same Side
There are various types of tooth pain. Unfortunately, some of them can cause pain in the ear.
For example, your toothache can spread to your ears if you have a tooth abscess.
Tooth abscesses cause stabbing pain, and can even cause swelling of the cheek.
Dental abscesses are manifestations of poorly treated cavities. They are pus-filled cavities in the gum or under the tooth.
It is also possible to develop an abscess due to an infected pulp or gum disease.
The pain associated with an abscessed tooth is so severe that it can easily spread to the neck and even touch the ear.
Apart from tooth abscesses, another likely cause of tooth pain reaching the ear is a fractured tooth root.
There are different types of root fractures, depending on how the root is fractured. But because they affect both the dentin and the pulp, root fractures can cause pain in the ear.
Osteoarthritis of the jaw can also be the cause of your ear pain. This condition is a wear and tear on the cartilage of the jaw, which manifests itself in pain when chewing or blocking the mouth.
This type of pain can easily rub off on your ear.
II. Tooth and Ear Pain on Same the Side, the Solutions?
To cure your toothache and ear pain, you will first have to identify the origin of this problem.
If you have developed a dental abscess, and it is this abscess that is causing your ear pain, then you will need to treat this abscess first.
Dental abscesses always need to be treated by a professional. Also, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic treatment.
Another possible treatment is drainage or curettage of the abscess. This procedure consists of emptying the cavity of pus and then cleaning the cavity. This is the best way to stop the growth of bacteria.
In the case of a fractured tooth root, it is often recommended to extract the tooth. But this choice will be made by your dentist and will depend on many factors.
He will have to take into account the type of fracture (horizontal, vertical…), as well as the age of the tooth and its condition.
Because extraction is not the only solution, a retainer can also be a wise choice.
Osteoarthritis of the jaw can be treated in different ways. You can use cold or hot compresses, physiotherapy, or pharmacological interventions.
Your dentist may also recommend a bite appliance. Surgical options are also a choice that can be made, including intra-articular injections.
III. Toothache and Blocked Ear
Toothaches can cause feelings of a blocked ear. As mentioned above, the pain felt in the ears can be caused by osteoarthritis of the jaw.
The way the teeth fit together is called a dental bite. The way the upper and lower teeth make contact.
Intercuspidial contacts are the name given to these contacts.
In a normal occlusion, where the teeth fit together ideally, the intercuspidity is called maximum.
When the occlusion is abnormal, the term malocclusion is used. This misalignment of the teeth can cause bruxism and can interfere with chewing. But beyond that, the malocclusion may become painful, especially for the mandibles.
This pain can lead to a feeling of a blocked ear.
There are ways to remedy malocclusion. An orthodontist can help, perhaps with braces or tooth extraction.
Sadam’s syndrome can also give the impression of a blocked ear and tinnitus.
Also known as Costen’s syndrome, it is a joint problem in the lower jaw. There are several causes for this condition, which makes its diagnosis complicated.
IV. Ear, Tooth, and Ganglion Pain
Sometimes ear and tooth pain can be accompanied by a ganglion, especially in the neck area.
In these cases, an infection may have developed in the sinuses, or a dental abscess may be involved. Bacteria may also have settled in the nasopharynx.
Nodes are organs in the neck. They are there naturally and produce antibodies that defend the body.
Also, swollen lymph nodes are a sign that they are trying to protect the body from a bacterial infection.
In the case of dental abscesses, the nodes in the neck may swell depending on the location of the tooth.
Antibiotic treatment is almost always prescribed in cases where nodes have developed. These medications will prevent bacteria and germs from growing. Once the infection has stopped, the symptoms of the infection should disappear on their own; pain and swelling.
V. Diffuse Tooth Pain
Desmodontitis is dental arthritis. It is a pathology of the tooth that causes diffuse pain that is particularly difficult to live with, because it hardly stops.
These pains are stabbing and so painful that they resist even painkillers.
Also called alveo-dental arthritis, desmodontitis is an inflammation of the desmodontium. The desmodontium is the tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth, separating it from the bone.
Desmodontitis needs to be treated to stop the pain by getting rid of the infection that has spread.
Antibiotics and painkillers are also prescribed to help with the attacks.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the infection. This may involve correcting an occlusive condition, treating a decayed tooth, or even extracting it.
But there are many causes of diffuse tooth pain.
Pain is said to be diffuse when it seems to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, and it is difficult to localize.
Infections can cause this type of pain. Dental hypersensitivity is also a likely cause of diffuse dental pain.
Remains of food stuck in certain dental cavities can also be the cause of this type of pain.
Not to mention leukoplakia or post-operative dry socket.
Toothache is the most painful form of diffuse dental pain. As with desmodontitis, it is extremely painful and requires a consultation. Toothache, or dental pulpitis, can be recognized by the fact that the pain only gets worse when you lie down.
If you are suffering from diffuse tooth pain, go see a dentist for examinations. In the meantime, relieve yourself as best you can, with painkillers, and why not an ice pack.
Useful Links:
A Study of the Etiology of Referred Otalgia
Ear Pain: Diagnosing Common and Uncommon Causes
Tooth eruption and otitis media: are they related?
My Child’s Permanent Teeth Are Coming in Yellow, What Can I Do?