Not all pain in the face and jaw is directly related to the teeth. Sometimes the root cause of these pains may be another factor. This type of earache is called referral pain. Referral earache is a type of earache that does not originate in the ear itself and is heard elsewhere. Sometimes it is possible for a person with ear pain to see a doctor, and the doctor will determine where the main source of the pain is.
Referral pain in the head and face is very common. It is difficult and of course important to diagnose these pains.
Ear problems can be diagnosed with a routine office examination, but it is interesting to know that 50% of people who present with ear pain have their main source in the jaw and teeth. Ear infections are usually divided into two categories: external and middle ear infections. The cause of external ear infection is ear manipulation, swimming in polluted waters, but the cause of middle ear infection is mostly related to the throat and those who catch a cold get the infection from the throat.
Toothache and jaw pain are the most common mouth and tooth discomforts. There may be severe pain when pressed or stimulated by cold and heat, and toothache may persist for fifteen seconds after removal of the stimulus. As the inflamed area of the pulp expands, the pain becomes more severe and the pain may be reflected in the cheeks, ears and jaw. Other symptoms that you should pay attention to and seek treatment for are:
Pain in chewing
Sensitivity to cold and heat
Bleeding from around the teeth or gums
Swelling around the teeth or swelling of the jaw
Impact or irritation in the area
Sometimes ear infections are directly related to our mouths and teeth.
Gum disease and oral infections can affect other parts of the body as well. Sometimes in the presence of gum disease, bacteria in the gums are heard and cause an infection in the ear. Abnormal position of the teeth in the mouth or abnormalities of the teeth may lead to pain in the ear. This pain may even be confused with an ear infection. Temporomandibular joint disorders may also be confused with ear infections; conversely, even in some cases, the pain caused by an ear infection may be accompanied by toothache. Because there is a nerve line between the teeth and the ears, the pain from the ear infection may extend to the teeth and gums. Some patients may also think that tooth decay has caused them pain when they actually have an ear infection.
Bruxism can lead to problems ranging from tooth damage to tinnitus and earache. Any problem with the jawbone can spread to the ears.
Because of the potential side effects of antibiotics used to treat ear infections (and the fact that overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance), in many cases, the body is able to fight ear infections without the need for antibiotics.
Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to manage pain (in the ear, jaw, or teeth). If the infection is severe, antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor.
If ear pain spreads to the teeth or jaw, medications to control non-prescription pain used for ear pain can be used for oral or dental problems. You do not need to prescribe painkillers for ear infections, but tell your doctor if the pain is out of control. Regular use of toothbrushes and floss, regular visits to the doctor for professional measures, and finding alternative treatments are suitable methods to prevent the occurrence of toothache and gum disease caused by tooth decay and gingivitis.
