by maria |
Last Updated: December 30, 2025 Earaches can be caused by dental problems . Discovering the cause of the bothersome earache is essential to applying the best treatment. Earaches can arise due to water or a foreign object entering the ear canal. These situations can cause infections or even a ruptured eardrum. In other cases, earaches may originate from dental problems. Earaches can sometimes be linked to nerve-related sensitivity rather than a direct infection. Recent advances in ear-based therapies are exploring how targeted stimulation of nerves connected to pain perception may help manage chronic discomfort. For example, emerging ear-based nerve stimulation devices (check this) are gaining attention for their potential role in addressing ear-related pain and neurological responses, highlighting how closely the ear is connected to broader nerve pathways in the body. In this article, we will introduce you to the main dental problems that may be behind your earache.
6 Dental problems that can cause earaches
• Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is an infection or inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding the crown of an erupting tooth. This dental problem commonly occurs in lower wisdom teeth due to the limited space between the tooth crown and the gum, making the removal of food debris more difficult.
In most cases, pericoronitis does not result in a serious infection or inflammation. However, if neglected, it can spread to structures adjacent to the teeth, causing ear, head, and throat pain. Pericoronitis is curable if diagnosed promptly by your dentist.
• Problems with wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth usually appear in adulthood and are the last teeth to erupt. We have four wisdom teeth: two lower and two upper.
These teeth can erupt without any problems. However, there are cases where the eruption of wisdom teeth results in earaches . This happens due to the connection between the jaw joint and the ear. When yawning or chewing, the pain can intensify because the joint is subjected to more pressure.
To relieve this discomfort, you should avoid chewing hard foods and consult your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Dental abscesses
Abscesses are caused by an accumulation of pus inside the tooth, gum, or jaw. People with poor oral hygiene , diabetes, or a weak immune system are more prone to developing dental abscesses .
The most common symptom of this problem is pain in the teeth, gums, and jaw, which often spreads to the cheeks, ears, and neck.
• Chewing problems
A dysfunction in the jaw increases the risk of improper chewing movements, resulting in earaches.
The jaw joint controls mouth movements such as yawning, chewing, and swallowing. Because this joint is close to the ears, any problem affecting it can translate into pain or discomfort.
• Bruxism
Bruxism is the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching teeth. These behaviors end up putting pressure on the muscles of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), potentially causing TMJ dysfunction . In other words, this pressure on the teeth can also cause earaches.
Bruxism can result from a genetic predisposition, psychological factors (such as stress and anxiety), or misalignment of the teeth . The use of certain medications, tobacco, and caffeine can worsen the problem.
The good news is that it’s possible to control bruxism. Talk to your dentist for an evaluation and to start the most appropriate treatment.
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, located at the base of the skull in front of the ear. This joint connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw. Malfunction of this joint is considered a TMJ disorder , and symptoms can include earaches.
TMJ disorders can have several origins:
• Excessive chewing gum;
• An irregular bite and stress can put extra pressure on the jaw muscles, resulting in tooth sensitivity and earaches;
• Dislocation of the jaw caused by neck or head injuries.
If you’ve been experiencing earaches and suspect a connection to your teeth, consult your dentist for an oral examination to find the source of the problem. If there’s no connection between the earaches and teeth, you should see an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to rule out any infection.
The relationship between ear pain and oral health: what you need to know.
Many people don’t realize it, but ear pain isn’t always linked to otitis. In some cases, it can originate from dental or oral problems. This happens because the structures of the mouth and ear are close and share nerve connections.
When dental problems cause ear pain
Some situations that can cause this confusion:
- Dental infections (abscesses or deep cavities): if left untreated, bacteria can spread across the face and reach the ear through anatomical connections.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction: inflammation in this area, which is very close to the ear, can cause pain similar to otitis.
- Referred pain: Inflamed teeth, especially the upper molars, can radiate pain to the ear, giving the false impression of infection.
- Teething in children: can cause joint pain that is mistaken for ear pain.
Signs that ear pain may have a dental origin.
- Earache accompanied by tooth or gum pain;
- Swelling in the face or gums near the affected tooth;
- Pain that worsens when chewing or clenching teeth;
- Improvement in ear pain after dental treatment.
How oral health can affect hearing.
The mouth and ear are more connected than it seems:
- Dental infections and periodontal disease: these can cause inflammation capable of affecting even the nerves related to hearing, increasing the risk of hearing loss.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: in addition to ear pain, they can cause a feeling of pressure, difficulty opening the mouth, discomfort when chewing, and even tinnitus.
- Vascular changes: In severe cases of periodontal disease, inflammation can compromise blood circulation near the auditory nerves, contributing to hearing damage.
How to prevent it
Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly is essential not only for your smile but also for your hearing health. Similarly, taking care of your ear health helps protect your mouth and prevent complications.
For this, always count on your trusted dentist. Schedule an appointment with us.