Can a ear infection 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.
Can an untreated ear infection cause jaw pain?
Acute Otitis Externa (AOE) Patients often note temporary hearing loss due to a combination of wax, swelling and pus, blocking sound almost completely. When left untreated, this condition can spread elsewhere to the soft tissues of the face, upper neck, and the jaw joint, creating pain when a patient is chewing.
What does it mean if your jaw and ear hurt?
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.
What helps jaw pain from ear infection?
- Eat soft-foods.
- Try relaxation techniques.
- Do TMJ stretches and exercises.
- Avoid chewing gum.
- Avoid clenching or tensing your jaw.
- Apply moist heat to the area.
What type of ear infection causes jaw pain?
Otitis externa is a common ear infection also known as swimmer’s ear. It develops in the ear canal leading to the eardrum. In some cases, otitis externa can spread to surrounding tissue, including the bones of the jaw and face.
When is an ear infection serious?
Usually, ear infections last fewer than 3 days, but they can persist for up to a week. Children younger than 6 months who have a fever or other ear infection symptoms should see a doctor. Seek medical attention if your child has a fever higher than 102°F (39°C) or severe ear pain.
How long does it take for an ear infection to clear up?
Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week. If you, or your child, have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
When is an ear infection an emergency?
Seek emergency care if you have any of the following symptoms: Pain in an ear with or without fever. Itching of the ear or ear canal. Loss of hearing or difficulty hearing in one or both ears.
Why does my jaw and ear hurt on one side?
TMJ disorders One source of ear and jaw pain may be related to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This area includes not only the jaw joint but also the muscles surrounding it. The TMJ is adjacent to the temporal bone, which includes your inner ear.
How do you sleep with an ear infection?
Sleep position has a huge impact on pain caused by an ear infection. Rest with your head on multiple pillows, so the ear with the infection is higher than the rest of your body. If your left ear has an infection, sleep on your right side and vice versa. Less pressure is the best way to reduce pain and get sleep.
Why do I have jaw pain on one side?
In some cases, jaw pain on one side can indicate underlying oral health problems. Some common issues that cause jaw pain are cavities, an abscessed tooth, gum disease, tooth decay, growth of wisdom teeth, missing or crooked teeth, and clenching or grinding your teeth.
How do you know if an ear infection has spread to the brain?
The deadliest complication of otitis media is a brain abscess, an accumulation of pus in the brain due to an infection. The most common symptoms are headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, neurologic deficits and altered consciousness.
What happens if your ear infection won’t go away with antibiotics?
Possible Complications A chronic ear infection may cause permanent changes to the ear and nearby bones, including: Infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear (mastoiditis) Ongoing drainage from a hole in the eardrum that does not heal, or after ear tubes are inserted. Cyst in the middle ear (cholesteatoma)
When should I be concerned about jaw 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.
How do I know if I have an ear infection or TMJ?
TMJ won’t cause discharge from your ears, so that’s a definite sign of an infection. Remember: discharge may come from your outer ear or through your eustachian tubes. But TMJ is more likely if: Your doctor says you don’t have an ear infection.