Can Toothaches Cause Ear Pain Too?

toothache and ear painRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Pain in the gums is the most unexpected and unpleasant companion that may spoil even the best day. Toothaches can be extremely painful but can range from a mild ache to a consistent throbbing. That throbbing pain associated with a toothache could seem like an earache. On the blog today, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, our trusted dentist in Royal Oak, explores the connection between toothaches and ear pain.

What are the main causes of toothaches?

The culprits can vary, but they typically revolve around one common theme: inflammation of a nerve that lies alongside or within a tooth’s canal. Many times, the nerve endings of the tooth become exposed to bacteria resulting from cavities or structural compromises and can cause an infection. Furthermore, other causes include injuries or abscessed teeth that can lead to excruciating pain that does not relent.

What are the types of pain I may encounter?

It may begin with an occasional zing of pain, a sensation well-known by those who have experienced it. On the other hand, it could turn into a constant, pounding pain, which will not go away, even when using over-the-counter medications for relief. Our trusted dentist in Birmingham has valuable advice to give regarding dental discomfort. She insists that patients should never consider any toothache trivial and ignore it. Ideally, you should tend to toothaches while they are still relatively mild so that they don’t worsen and require extensive procedures.

How can a toothache cause ear pain?

The cranial trigeminal nerve, which interconnects the face, jaw, and head forms a rather complicated system. When your tooth sends painful signals, these nerves can send pain messages to your ears. It’s like a communication process where information sent from an organ ends up at various undesired locations and unconventionally so, with painful messages.

Moreover, an abscessed tooth is a product of a bad infection and doesn’t stop giving you a swollen face and breath-inducing pain. It’s also well-known to send painful sensations to the adjacent regions, particularly the ears. If not controlled, it can cause a lot of health problems and can be a menace to your general well-being.

What can I do to stop the toothaches and ear pain?

Our Royal Oak trusted dentist emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when your mouth feels some pain. Any pain in the teeth, ear, or face shouldn’t be ignored, especially when swelling appears. Therefore, turn to Hartrick Dentistry as soon as possible, and Dr. Hartrick will determine the source of your pain and remedy the problem before it worsens.

Trusted Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Appearing suddenly in the middle of the day, a toothache has the potential to wipe out anyone as it can cause a lot of discomfort, especially if the pain reaches your ears. Do not ignore your toothache, even if the pain comes and goes or seems only mild initially. Contact our Royal Oak area trusted dentist, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, at (248) 549-0950 so that Hartrick Dentistry can assist you in ridding yourself of dental pain for good.

Posted in General Dentistry