Ever had an irritating earache that also caused discomfort in your jaw? This might lead you to ask, “Can an ear infection lead to jaw pain?” Since the jaw and ear are connected by the same nerves, it is indeed possible. Let’s explore in this blog how ear infections might be the hidden reason behind your jaw pain.

Can an Ear Infection Cause Jaw Pain?

Indeed, ear infections can lead to jaw pain as the ear and jaw are physically close in terms of anatomical structure (origin of body parts). Here’s how an earache can contribute to jaw pain:

• Inflammation & Swelling: By causing swelling and inflammation, ear infections can spread to the jaw muscles and induce pain.

• Pressure on the TMJ: Swelling can further put pressure on the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw and the skull.

• Blocked Eustachian Tube: By blocking the eustachian tube, ear infections create a pressure imbalance that impacts the jaw joint and causes pain. 

Other Possible Symptoms

Other Potential Causes of Jaw Pain

Other than an ear infection, these can be the possible causes of jaw pain:

• TMJ Dysfunction: Resulting from teeth grinding, poor alignment of teeth or jaw, stress, and joint wear and tear, which affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

• Tooth Grinding: Causes strain on the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck, which leads to jaw pain.

• Oral Infections: Pain due to tooth cavities, gum disease, and a tooth abscess (pus within or around the tooth) can radiate to the jaw.

• Sinus infections: Inflammation in the sinus cavity can radiate sharp to the jaw. 

• Jaw Injuries: Trauma, such as strain in a broken jaw or nearby muscles, can contribute to jaw pain.

• Muscle Soreness: Stress, teeth grinding, and overworking of muscles can be contributing factors for soreness in the jaw muscles. 

Managing Jaw Pain Associated with Ear Infections at Home

Consider the following home treatments to manage mild jaw pain:

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can relieve jaw pain and inflammation caused by an ear infection.

• Cold & Warm Compresses: Use a cold or warm compress on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes to get relief from pain. Cold subsides inflammation, while heat helps calm jaw muscles.

• Over-the-Counter Ear Drops: Certain OTC ear drops can moisturize the ear canal and reduce ear pain, especially if it is caused by wax buildup and swimmer’s ear (infection of the outer ear canal).

• Jaw Massage: A gentle massage of the jaw muscles and nearby areas can reduce muscle tension and thus, pain.

• Rest: Giving rest to your jaw by avoiding chewing anything, biting hard things, and talking too much. This can alleviate pressure on the jaw, which triggers pain. 

• Soft Foods: Consume soft foods such as soup, yogurt, bananas, and oatmeal to prevent stress on the affected jaw muscles. 

Note: If pain persists and worsens, and you find it hard to move your jaw, see a healthcare provider. 

When to See a Doctor?

Consult otolaryngologists or ENT doctors without any delay if you notice:

• Unbearable, persistent jaw pain with ear discomfort.

• Signs of infections, like swelling and fever

• No improvements in the symptoms within some days of home remedies

• Immediate pain after an injury

• Swelling of the gum

• Inability to eat and drink

• Unable to sleep and perform daily activities

Along with an ear infection, other conditions such as sinus infections, dental issues, and TMJ disorders can be the causes.

Treatment Options for an Ear Infection

Here is the treatment plan for an ear infection:

Antibiotics:

• If an ear infection is caused by bacteria, the providers may prescribe antibiotics like Amoxicillin to kill infection-causing bacteria.

• In case Amoxicillin is ineffective, Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is recommended.

Pain Medications:

• Doctors may prescribe pain medicines (e.g., ibuprofen or aspirin) to relieve pain.

• Also, it can reduce the fever that comes along with an ear infection.

• Aspirin is not recommended for children, as it causes Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening disease that can damage the brain and liver.  

Surgery:

• Surgery, like myringotomy, is recommended for recurrent ear infections. 

• This procedure involves making a small incision (cut) in the eardrum to clear accumulated fluid and placing tympanostomy tubes to ventilate the middle ear and alleviate fluid buildup. 

Preventive Tips for an Ear Infection

These tips can help prevent the recurrence of ear infections:

• Maintain good hygiene: Properly wash your hands daily to prevent bacteria from spreading and contributing to infections.

• Keep your ears dry: Make sure to always clean and dry your ears using a soft towel or cloth, especially after bathing or swimming. This helps remove remaining water.

• Get vaccinated: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises getting vaccinations, of the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine, to fight off bacteria or viruses that cause infections.

• Avoid secondhand smoke: Research says that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause irritation in the eustachian tubes, raising the risk of ear infections.

• Eat a healthy diet: Add foods rich in protein and vitamin C to your daily diet to boost the immune system, helping fight off infections.

• Do not put anything in the ears: Putting things like Q-tips to clean the ears can damage the delicate eardrum and potentially cause an ear infection.

• Adjust breastfeeding: Feed the babies in an upright position to lower the risk of fluid that can enter the eustachian tube and cause infection in children.

Is it an Ear Infection or TMJ? How to Know

Curious to know whether jaw pain is from an ear infection or TMJ? Here, understand TMJ vs ear infection in terms of type and location of pain, ear symptoms, and jaw movement:

Final Thoughts

Can an ear infection cause jaw pain can be your concern if you are experiencing ear pain at the same time. As the jaw and ears are connected closely, ear infections can contribute to jaw pain. By causing swelling and inflammation, blocking the eustachian tube, and putting pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), infection can lead to jaw pain. If you don’t know whether it is an ear infection or TMJ, see a medical professional for help. A proper diagnosis and effective treatment can help get quick relief.

Remember that, when in doubt, seek medical guidance!

Frequently Asked Questions