It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the cause based on these symptoms alone, so they will take into account risk factors and recent history. For example, a person who has not been to the dentist in many years and has a history of tooth pain may have a cavity.
The following are some common causes of ear and jaw pain:
1- TMJ dysfunction:
Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain. Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure. Several conditions and factors can cause TMJ pain, including:
- grinding the teeth
- problems with the alignment of the jaw or teeth
- muscle injuries
- arthritis
Although TMJ can be painful, home treatment often helps manage or even eliminate symptoms.
2- Sternocleidomastoid pain:
The sternocleidomastoid is a thick muscle that extends from just under the ear down to the collarbone. Injuries to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, as well as sinus pain, eye pressure, and other symptoms that a person might mistake for signs of a cold or infection.
When a person has these symptoms but has no injuries and no other signs of infection — such as a fever or runny nose — an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A doctor can rule out other causes, such as infections of the middle or inner ear, by carrying out a physical examination.
3- Oral infections:
A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw.
In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.
4- Ear infections:
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. Ear infections can also happen when water or other fluids build up in the ear.
A person with an ear infection may have other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy. The pain of an ear infection can be intense and may get rapidly worse without treatment.
Untreated ear infections can spread to other parts of the body. Some people develop an infection called mastoiditis, which is an infection in the mastoid bone near the ear. When this happens, a person may experience swelling close to the ear, hearing problems, or a high fever. Severe cases of mastitis can be life-threatening and require immediate treatment.
5- Jaw injuries:
An injury, such as a broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, could cause jaw pain that radiates to the ear. If a person notices ear and jaw pain shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, they may have a jaw injury that needs medical treatment.
6- Tooth grinding:
Grinding the teeth at night places stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. The tension can cause pain in the jaw, in the ears, and on the front or side of the face. Some people may also damage their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.
It is best to see a doctor for ear and jaw pain if:
- there are signs of an infection, such as fever or swelling
- the pain appears immediately after an injury
- the gums are swollen or the teeth hurt
- symptoms do not improve within a few days of home treatment
- a doctor prescribes antibiotics or other treatment, but treatment does not help
- ear or jaw pain becomes unbearable
- a baby or young child with ear and jaw pain does not stop crying
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