What is the relationship between TMJ and ear pain? What are the other symptoms associated with TMJ other than ear pain? We will review more information on this topic in the following article. Some of us may feel pain in the lower jaw and ear, so let's learn about the causes of this pain. We will discuss this in detail from Dalili Medical in the paragraphs of this article.

**What is TMJ?**

 

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints in general, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The temporomandibular joint is no exception to this condition.

**How ​​can you check if ear pain is caused by a wisdom tooth?**

 

There is an effective way to determine whether ear pain is related to dental problems or wisdom teeth. This can be done by observing the side on which you feel the most pain in the head. If the pain is present in the teeth on the same side of the ear, there is likely a connection between them. It is essential to consult a dentist when feeling any pain in the head, neck or face, to ensure that you get the appropriate treatment for any dental problems, as well as to rule out any serious medical conditions or infections if necessary. If the dentist believes that the pain is not related to wisdom teeth or teeth, he may refer you to a specialist. Treating toothache should be your priority, as leaving it for a long time may worsen the condition.

Is chewing gum constantly a cause of lower jaw and ear pain?

 

Certainly, excessive chewing gum is one of the most prominent causes of lower jaw and ear pain. This habit leads to excessive movement of the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles, causing them to become stressed and causing the patient to feel annoying pain in the lower jaw, which may also extend to the ear due to the connection of some of the bones of the jaw joint to it. Despite the severity of the pain that the patient may suffer at that moment, stopping this habit and giving the jaw a period of rest during the day can help gradually relieve the pain.

**Temporomandibular joint inflammation symptoms and ear pain**

Many symptoms are associated with TMJ inflammation and the resulting pain in the ear, the most prominent of which are:

- Tinnitus.

- Hearing a crackling or popping sound in the ear.

- Feeling pain in the ears while chewing or talking.

- Mild and constant pain in the ears.

- Feeling pain in the lower jaw.

- Pain in the right or left temporal jaw or both.

- Feeling pain in the face area.

- Pain in the jaws or ears while eating.

- Spasm in the temporomandibular joint, causing difficulty opening or closing the mouth while eating or speaking.

- Constant ringing in the ears.

- Pain in the ear or in the surrounding facial muscles.

- Feeling a headache or dizziness.

- Swelling in the face.

- Toothache.

- Feeling roughness in the temporomandibular joint with a popping sound when the jaws move.

- Difficulty pronouncing some letters.

It is important to note that there are other symptoms not related to the ear that may accompany jaw inflammation, such as: pain in the jaw, neck and shoulders, headache, toothache, swelling on both sides of the face, difficulty opening the mouth completely, in addition to hearing a popping or crackling sound when moving the jaw during opening or closing, as well as feeling tired in the facial muscles, and other symptoms.

What are the causes of simultaneous wisdom tooth and ear pain?

 

Migraine ** Migraine attacks are severe conditions that occur in the form of repeated attacks, and cause a group of annoying and strong symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and severe pain in the head that extends to the jaw, ear and even the neck. The severity of symptoms may also vary from one attack to another.

** Impacted wisdom tooth ** Unfortunately, many people suffer from the fact that their jaw is not wide enough to accommodate new teeth and molars, which may lead to the emergence of a wisdom tooth that faces problems.

An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when it is prevented from emerging completely through the gums, causing it to appear at an angle instead of being straight on the gum line.

If impacted wisdom teeth are not removed quickly, the problem can worsen and cause a range of uncomfortable and painful symptoms, including pain in the wisdom tooth and ear.

**Swimmer’s ear** This condition occurs when bacteria build up in the outer ear as a result of exposure to water or injury. This condition can be caused by swimming or by a foreign object tearing the lining of the ear from an accident. Symptoms get worse if the condition is not treated, which can lead to severe pain in the ear and jaw together.

**Wisdom tooth damage** When a wisdom tooth is severely damaged or decayed, it begins to cause pain as a way to tell you that it needs care. This pain can be so severe that it extends to nearby areas such as the ear, making us think that we may have an ear infection. This can cause pain in both the wisdom tooth and the ear.

**Wisdom tooth decay** Another common cause of pain in the ear and wisdom tooth at the same time is wisdom tooth decay. If your teeth have suffered significant damage or if you notice a large cavity, your mouth will begin to send pain signals to the neck and ear. Fortunately, tooth decay can be easily treated at the dental clinic. You may experience toothache associated with ear pain due to trauma to the area, a cavity, or even a cracked tooth. Root canal treatment is the main solution to this problem, which helps eliminate the pain you are suffering from once and for all. **Sinusitis** Sinusitis is a common problem that results from allergies and inflammation in that area, as a result of exposure to a group of stimuli such as dust and dirt, strong odors, or even cold, in addition to the possibility of infection. Sinusitis causes a group of annoying symptoms, such as headaches and nasal pain, and mayThe pain extends to the ear and jaw.

**Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis** These types of arthritis occur when the immune system attacks healthy joints. Both rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are classified as autoimmune diseases. Some people can experience joint pain throughout the body, including the jaw joint. This condition often persists, but there are some triggers that can make the pain worse.

**Teeth grinding** Teeth grinding at night puts pressure on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. The resulting stress can cause pain in the jaw and ear, as well as areas in the front or side of the face. Some people may also damage their teeth as a result of this behavior, as they grind their teeth repeatedly or even break them.

**Causes of jaw and ear pain**

. **Temporomandibular joint disorders** These disorders cause pain in one of the jaw joints, as well as pain in the ear and surrounding areas. This may be accompanied by headaches, difficulty chewing, and difficulty closing the affected joint. A clicking or popping sound can also be heard when moving the jaw or while eating. The main cause of this condition is still unclear, but there are several factors that may contribute to its appearance, such as heredity, arthritis, and jaw injuries.

. Otitis media ** Otitis media causes pain in the ear itself and the surrounding areas, such as the jaw, sinuses, and teeth, in addition to congestion and fever.

This inflammation can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, or as a result of the accumulation of water or fluid in the ear.

. Teeth grinding ** Teeth grinding, whether during sleep or while awake, leads to pain on one or both sides of the jaw as a result of the tension and strain of the jaw muscles. The pain can also extend to the ear, face, and neck. Its negative effect on the teeth cannot be ignored, as it causes damage and increased sensitivity, in addition to causing headaches. The main reason behind its occurrence is still not entirely clear, but it is often associated with psychological factors such as anxiety and stress, or as a result of practicing the chewing process during sleep.

. Left lower jaw and ear pain: additional causes

Other causes include the following:

- Dental infection.

- Migraine.

- Sinusitis.

- Dental problems.

- Psoriatic arthritis.

- Osteoarthritis.

Sternocleidomastoid pain is a condition that affects one of the largest muscle groups in the neck, which can be noticed when moving the neck from side to side. The symptoms of this condition may be similar to those of other medical conditions, which requires that it be distinguished by a doctor based on the presence of additional symptoms. Among the symptoms associated with this condition are:

- A feeling of pain, numbness or tingling that extends down one or both sides of the arms.

- Weakness in the shoulder or arms.

- Difficulty moving the head or inability to move it completely.

Some oral diseases, such as mouth infections, gum enlargement, or dental abscesses, can also cause pain in the jaw and ear.

Ear infections: Bacteria and viruses cause inflammation in the ear, and this inflammation may extend to the jaw. The risks and complications increase if the condition is not treated. It is important to note that the accumulation of water or fluids in and around the ear can lead to inflammation.

Jaw injuries: include the following:

- A broken jaw.

- Straining the surrounding muscles as a result of a fall.

- Being exposed to a car accident.

- Being exposed to a blow to the head may affect the jaw, and its effect may extend to the ear, requiring medical intervention.

Teeth grinding: This occurs as a result of constant pressure on the teeth, which may lead to their breakage or falling out, and often occurs at night.

Accumulation of wax in the ear: Which leads to its blockage.

Severe sore throat: This may be due to tonsillitis or pharyngitis.

When should you see a doctor?

 

There are several cases that require a visit to the doctor, especially if the jaw and ear pain persists for several days, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

- Feeling dizzy.

- Hearing loss.

- Swelling behind the ear.

- Weakness of the facial muscles on one side.

- Signs of infection, such as high temperature, ear discharge, nausea, or vomiting.

**How ​​to diagnose TMJ and ear pain**

 

When there is suspicion of TMJ or ear pain, a person should visit a doctor to evaluate the symptoms and medical history. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination of the jaw and ear to determine the level of swelling and accompanying pain. He will also listen carefully to the patient's complaints.

**Medical examinations and tests used**

The doctor may request diagnostic tests such as an X-ray of the jaw, in addition to a CT or MRI scan to detect any anatomical changes within the joint. He may also recommend a blood test to rule out infections or other conditions affecting the joint.

**Wisdom Tooth and Ear Pain Treatment**

**Root Canal Treatment**The term “root canal” makes many people nervous, but it is actually a routine procedure that dentists perform on a daily basis. Although it can be painful, as with any medical procedure, the brief pain you may feel during treatment is nothing compared to what you will experience if you ignore your impacted wisdom tooth. The primary goal of a root canal procedure is to remove the damaged portion of the tooth, clean the resulting space, and then fill and seal it. This procedure focuses on repairing the internal canals in the tooth root, hence its name.

**Wisdom Tooth Extraction**Sometimes, the condition of the wisdom tooth may be so advanced that the only solution to get rid of wisdom tooth and ear pain is to extract the tooth completely. The dentist numbs the area around the tooth and then removes the wisdom tooth. This procedure takes a few minutesOnly fit, and it is expected that after tooth extraction, ear and tooth pain will completely disappear.

Treatment of left ear pain associated with jaw joint problems**Pain in the left ear that is accompanied by jaw joint problems is a common problem that many people suffer from, and it may be a sign of annoying inflammation. This pain may be caused by nerve irritation or swelling of the joint, which requires careful treatment. Among the traditional treatments available, it is recommended to put ice on the jaw to reduce swelling, avoid opening the mouth wide, and stay away from solid and sticky foods that may increase the severity of the pain. Some relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can also help reduce psychological stress that may contribute to worsening the pain. If the pain persists, it is important to consult a specialist doctor to evaluate the condition and provide appropriate treatment, which may include taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications, or even physical therapy sessions. Do not hesitate to seek medical help when facing any problem related to jaw and left ear pain.

Treatment of temporomandibular joint inflammation and ear pain**To deal with temporomandibular joint inflammation and ear pain, the patient must identify the possible causes of the pain to start appropriate treatment. Self-care measures such as applying ice to the jaw, avoiding hard foods, and maintaining proper jaw position can help relieve the pain temporarily. If the pain persists and other bothersome symptoms occur, the patient should consult a doctor. The doctor may suggest treatments such as taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories, or recommend physical therapy exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles.

**Treatment of TMJ disorders:** Chronic cases of TMJ disorders require treatment by a group of specialists. The patient is usually referred to a dentist, an ear, nose and throat doctor, and a pain management specialist. Some patients may be recommended to undergo physical therapy or acupuncture, and sometimes psychotherapy to deal with the anxiety associated with this condition. Moderate cases can be treated with medications such as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and pain relievers. In cases that do not respond to treatment, doctors may resort to performing surgery to relieve the pain.

**Treatment of swimmer's ear:** You can prevent this infection by keeping your ear moist before and after swimming. If infected, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic drops to be used in the ear.

**Treatment of ear infections:** If bacteria are the cause of the ear infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If bacteria are not the cause, the doctor may prescribe decongestants or medications known as antihistamines.

Additional treatments: Other treatments that can be used to relieve ear and jaw pain include: installing braces, implanting special devices to reduce teeth grinding, psychological therapy to deal with the anxiety associated with this condition, prescribing medications to treat arthritis, occupational therapy to recover from direct injuries to the jaw, using various pain relievers, in addition to treatments related to dental and gum problems.

What are the home tips and instructions for relieving jaw and ear pain?

Here are some home tips and instructions that can help relieve jaw and ear pain:

1. Sleep with a mouth guard to avoid teeth grinding at night if the person suffers from this problem.

2. Apply cold compresses to the area of ​​pain for 10 minutes, then remove them for 10 minutes, and repeat this process, as this helps relieve pain.

3. Practice oral physiotherapy according to the doctor's instructions, which helps strengthen the jaw muscles and increase their flexibility.

4. Eat soft foods to avoid putting pressure on the jaw.

5. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or take acetaminophen pain relievers.

6. Try to relax the muscles by tilting the ear toward the shoulder and holding it for 5-10 seconds, then repeating this with the other ear.

7. Keep the body hydrated by drinking sufficient amounts of water or other fluids.