What’s Happening: Can A Toothache Cause Ear Pain?

Can a toothache cause ear pain or headache? People often ask this question of their local dentist or online. It just seems that a toothache comes along at the worst time. You’re ready to go on a trip or worse yet, you’re on a trip and a toothache starts. Toothache pain can ruin a vacation and will definitely hijack a good night’s sleep. The reason is simple. The teeth in the mouth have major nerves that connect the mouth to various parts of the face, head, and brain. When the nerves surrounding a tooth gets irritated, the result is pain. Toothaches are also notorious for causing ear pain. So, can a toothache cause ear pain and why does this happen?

Where Did This Come From?

There are many factors that cause toothaches, ranging from tooth decay and gum diseases to just brushing or flossing abnormally. Here are a few major factors that cause toothaches:

•    Tooth Decay

The most common factor that causes toothache is… wait for it… Tooth decay! It’s responsible for most toothache cases today. It’s not usually a pleasant topic to discuss with people but it’s just the plain truth because it’s a threat to all of us. If you have pain in your tooth and its surrounding area, it could be a sign of early tooth decay. Once the internal layer of the tooth is compromised, the pain becomes worse and may lead to an abscess. You shouldn’t for pain to see your dentist for an exam to detect cavities.

•    Tooth Cracks

Cracked or chipped teeth occur in different ways. Normal chewing on hard foods, trauma, and grinding, people can end up with tooth fractures. In most cases, when a tooth cracks, only the surface of the tooth is fractured. When left untreated, the fracture can progress till it reaches the center of the tooth. Toothache in a cracked or chipped tooth means the center of the tooth has been affected and the nerves in that tooth are compromised. You really shouldn’t let the condition of a cracked tooth deteriorate before you consult your dentist.

•    Gum Infections

With symptoms including red, bleeding gums, toothaches and a general dull painful sensation in the mouth, gum infections are really hard to miss. Gum infections should not be ignored, as they can lead to more dental complications that may require surgical procedures. Consult a dentist immediately.

•    Teeth Grinding or Bruxism

Grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw puts you at risk of getting a toothache and ear pain as well as pain in other related muscles. This is because teeth grinding can cause pain in the jaw bones, headaches, and even cracked teeth. Most people grind their teeth intentionally when tired or stressed. Others do it unconsciously in their sleep, leading to painful mornings and toothaches. Teeth grinding can be treated by wearing a mouthguard while sleeping to prevent such occurrences.

•    Abnormal Brushing or Flossing

Our teeth are sensitive to pressure, and if too much pressure is used when brushing or flossing, it can lead to toothaches in the mouth. Using too much force when brushing is also harmful to the gums. it can cause irritation and injuries to the gums and lead to unstable teeth, thereby causing more pain. To avoid this mistake, it is best to consult a dentist about the proper way to brush. Also, avoid hard toothbrushes.

Other factors that can cause toothaches include sensitive teeth, tooth abscess and sinus infections.

What Can I Do To Prevent Toothaches?

There are many home remedies you can use to prevent toothache and gum infections, and they include:

•    Brush regularly. The best way to prevent toothaches or dental complications is to brush your teeth regularly. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush can help you maintain good oral health and keep your mouth free of infection-causing germs.

•    Drink fluoridated water. Since tooth decay is a major factor that causes toothaches, it’s a great idea to drink fluoridated water. Fluoride is good for the teeth and can help you prevent tooth decay.

•    Avoid smoking. Smoking has a way of compromising the strength and health of your teeth. It’s a good line of action to stay away from anything that can put you at risk of a gum infection or worse.

•    Protect your teeth at play: To avoid teeth cracks and fractures, always wear a mouthguard and appropriate protection when playing aggressive, contact sports. Using Dental protection can save you a lot of pain and unnecessary expenditure in case of an accident.

•    Eat a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables. Consumption of sugar-rich foods and drinks should be minimized as they can cause cavities and compromise the strength of your teeth and gums.

•    Keep regular appointments with your dentist. If you’re wondering, “Can a toothache cause ear pain,” it’s best to see a dentist to check out the possibility. Your dentist is in a better position to assess the condition of your teeth and general oral health. If he/she discovers an issue, they can arrange a dental cleaning or appropriate procedure to nip the issue in the bud.

Remember, once you start feeling toothache and associated pain, heed the warning and consult your dentist. You may want to ask them, “Can a toothache cause ear pain, face pain, or headache?” There are many recommended procedures to help you relieve the pain and make you feel better.

We Can Help

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At Dental Chat, we help cut through the confusion and provide accurate, valuable blogs on every topic. Here is a local dentist link to Endodontics Dental Chat about Local Endodontists. The best part is that we network with local dental blogs and local dentist bloggers who share their local dentist articles with us. We are looking to list the best local dental offices and best dentists for patients that need to have a root canal or another dental service. We are always looking to expand and grow and offer the Best Local Dental Platform at DentalChat.