What are the common causes of jaw and ear pain. How can you treat jaw and ear pain at home. When should you see a doctor for jaw and ear pain. What medical treatments are available for jaw and ear discomfort.

Understanding the Connection Between Jaw and Ear Pain

Jaw and ear pain can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience, ranging from a mild ache to intense discomfort. The intricate connection between these two areas of the head often leads to shared pain pathways, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the problem. This interconnectedness is due to the proximity of nerves, muscles, and joints in the region.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, plays a crucial role in this relationship. When issues arise with the TMJ, pain can radiate to the ear and surrounding areas. Similarly, problems originating in the ear can sometimes be felt in the jaw. This complex interplay of sensations often requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Jaw Soreness Near the Ear

Several conditions can lead to jaw soreness near the ear. Understanding these potential causes is the first step in finding relief and appropriate treatment. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

1. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

TMJ dysfunction is perhaps the most common cause of combined jaw and ear pain. This condition affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, leading to a wide range of symptoms. People with TMJ dysfunction may experience:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Aching pain in and around the ear
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth or chewing
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close the mouth

TMJ dysfunction can be caused by various factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw misalignment, arthritis, or stress-induced muscle tension. In many cases, a combination of these factors contributes to the development of TMJ issues.

2. Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Pain

The sternocleidomastoid is a prominent neck muscle that runs from just below the ear to the collarbone. When this muscle is strained or injured, it can cause pain that radiates to the jaw and ear. Symptoms of sternocleidomastoid pain may include:

• Aching or sharp pain in the neck, jaw, and ear area
• Stiffness in the neck
• Difficulty turning the head
• Headaches
• Dizziness or balance issues

This type of pain is often mistaken for other conditions, as it can mimic symptoms of ear infections or sinus problems. However, the absence of other infection-related symptoms, such as fever or congestion, may point to a muscular issue.

3. Dental Problems and Oral Infections

Dental issues can be a significant source of jaw and ear pain. Conditions such as tooth decay, abscesses, or gum infections can cause pain that extends beyond the mouth. In some cases, the pain may seem to originate from the ear, even when the primary problem is dental in nature. Common dental problems that can lead to jaw and ear pain include:

• Tooth abscesses
• Severe cavities
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Periodontal disease
• Cracked or fractured teeth

It’s important to note that dental pain can sometimes disappear temporarily, only to reappear as ear or jaw pain. This pattern may indicate that an infection is spreading and requires immediate attention.

Ear Infections and Their Impact on Jaw Comfort

Ear infections are another common cause of pain that can affect both the ear and jaw areas. These infections can occur in different parts of the ear and may have varying symptoms and levels of severity.

Types of Ear Infections

1. Outer ear infections (otitis externa)
2. Middle ear infections (otitis media)
3. Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis)

Ear infections typically cause pain in and around the ear, but this pain can often radiate to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth. Additional symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Reduced hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Drainage from the ear
• Nausea or vomiting (especially with inner ear infections)

In most cases, ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. However, they can also result from the buildup of fluid in the ear, particularly after swimming or bathing. Prompt treatment of ear infections is crucial, as untreated infections can lead to more serious complications, such as mastoiditis, an infection of the bone behind the ear.

Jaw Injuries: A Hidden Cause of Ear Discomfort

Injuries to the jaw can often result in pain that extends to the ear region. These injuries may occur due to various incidents, such as:

• Falls
• Sports-related accidents
• Car accidents
• Physical altercations

Jaw injuries can range from mild sprains and strains to more severe fractures. The pain from these injuries may be immediate or develop over time. In addition to pain in the jaw and ear areas, other symptoms of jaw injuries may include:

• Swelling or bruising around the jaw
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Misalignment of the teeth
• Numbness in the lower lip or chin
• Facial asymmetry

If you experience jaw and ear pain following any kind of impact to the face or head, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out serious injuries and receive appropriate treatment.

The Hidden Toll of Teeth Grinding on Jaw and Ear Health

Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition that can significantly impact jaw and ear comfort. Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth, as it often occurs during sleep. However, the effects of this habit can be far-reaching and contribute to chronic jaw and ear pain.

Effects of Teeth Grinding

• Worn-down tooth enamel
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Jaw muscle tension and pain
• Headaches, particularly in the temples
• Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears
• Disrupted sleep patterns

Teeth grinding places excessive stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain in these areas, including the ears. The tension created by grinding can also contribute to the development or exacerbation of TMJ disorders.

Home Remedies for Jaw and Ear Pain Relief

Before seeking medical attention, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate jaw and ear pain. These methods can be particularly effective for mild to moderate discomfort:

1. Apply heat or cold therapy: Use a warm compress or ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
2. Practice jaw exercises and stretches: Gentle exercises can help relax tense muscles and improve jaw mobility.
3. Maintain good posture: Proper alignment can reduce strain on the neck and jaw muscles.
4. Avoid hard or chewy foods: Give your jaw a rest by eating softer foods.
5. Try over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
6. Use a nightguard: If teeth grinding is an issue, a dental guard can protect your teeth and reduce jaw tension.
7. Practice stress-reduction techniques: Stress can exacerbate jaw clenching and grinding, so relaxation methods like meditation or deep breathing can be beneficial.

While these home remedies can provide relief in many cases, it’s important to recognize when professional medical attention is necessary.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Jaw and Ear Pain

While many cases of jaw and ear pain can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Pain accompanied by fever, especially if it’s high or persistent
• Swelling that worsens or spreads
• Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
• Sudden hearing loss or significant changes in hearing
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Drainage from the ear, especially if it’s bloody or pus-like
• Pain that follows a head injury
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a few days

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek medical help if you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms or if you’re concerned about your condition.

Medical Treatments for Persistent Jaw and Ear Discomfort

When home remedies aren’t sufficient to address jaw and ear pain, medical interventions may be necessary. The specific treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common medical approaches:

For TMJ Disorders:

• Physical therapy to improve jaw mobility and strength
• Custom-fitted dental splints or mouthguards
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Botox injections to relax tense muscles
• In severe cases, surgery may be considered

For Ear Infections:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for certain viral infections
• Ear drops to relieve pain and inflammation
• Procedures to drain fluid from the middle ear if necessary

For Dental Problems:

• Dental procedures such as fillings, root canals, or extractions
• Antibiotics for dental infections
• Treatment for gum disease

For Muscular Issues:

• Muscle relaxants
• Trigger point injections
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture

Your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and symptoms. This may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including consultations with dentists, ear, nose, and throat specialists, or physical therapists.

Understanding the various causes and treatment options for jaw and ear pain can help you better manage your symptoms and know when to seek professional help. Remember that early intervention often leads to more effective treatment and faster relief. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe jaw and ear pain, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional to get the care you need.

Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from a mild ache to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including infections, injuries, and joint problems.

In this article, we discuss the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. We also suggest home remedies to try before seeing a doctor and explain the medical treatment options.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from a mild ache to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including infections, injuries, and joint problems.

In this article, we discuss the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. We also suggest home remedies to try before seeing a doctor and explain the medical treatment options.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from a mild ache to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including infections, injuries, and joint problems.

In this article, we discuss the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. We also suggest home remedies to try before seeing a doctor and explain the medical treatment options.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why Does My Jaw Hurt by My Ear? | TMJ

Are you experiencing simultaneous pain in your jaw and ear, on one side or both sides? There could be a multitude of reasons behind the pain. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is usually the source of pain when it comes to the jaw and ear. That said, it’s important to remember that the jaw and ear are in extremely close proximity which may be why pain in the ear may be confused with pain in the jaw and vice versa. Specifically pain under the ear, behind the jaw bone can be said to be radiating from the temporomandibular joint.

If you are wondering “Why does my jaw hurt by my ear?” you are definitely on the right page. In this article, we will unearth some of the most common causes behind jaw and ear pain including the pain under the ear, behind the jaw bone, and how to remedy them.

Possible Reasons Why Your Jaw Hurts by Your Ear

Osteoarthritis

The most common kind of arthritis in the TMJ is osteoarthritis. Although common, it should still be taken seriously. Osteoarthritis is the result of constant wear and tear of the cartilage enveloping the joint. This triggers stiffness in the joint, eventually resulting in critical pain behind the ear and jaw. So, if you’re thinking “I have an earache and my jaw hurts” then osteoarthritis may be the probable cause.

Rheumatoid or Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects healthy joints. It may lead to joint pain at times that may radiate throughout the rest of the body. Some triggers especially cause rheumatoid arthritis pain. Pain in the jaw, under the ear and in the ear could also be a sign of either rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, another autoimmune condition.

TMJ Disorder

Another leading cause of pain under the ear, behind the jaw bone can be a disorder related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ is indirectly responsible for many functions such as chewing ad talking as it facilitates movement in the jaw. As such, it includes the jaw joint as well as the nearby muscles that aid in the movement. In cases where patients suffer from symptoms such as, inflammation, discomfort, or pain in the TMJ – that cannot be attributed to any other obvious cause – for more than three months it may be chronic TMJ or other medical conditions like fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, anxiety, or depression. TMJ could be due to wear and tear or another reason.

Ear Infections

Often, ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. They can also be caused when water or other fluids build up in and around your ear, leaving you susceptible to earache or jaw, specifically pain under the ear, behind the jaw bone. Also, if you experience a mild to high fever coupled with reduced stamina, that’s a red flag.

In a condition called mastoiditis, undiagnosed ear infections may spread to other parts of the body as well. As the infection spreads, the person might encounter massive swelling and pain near the ear and jaw on one side.

In fact, severe cases of this condition can demand immediate diagnosis as they could be life-threatening.

Sinusitis

Pain under the ear or behind the jaw bone could be the result of sinusitis. But this only happens when you have a precondition of cold allergies. Since it is a virus borne infection, your nasal passage becomes irritated. This could also be accompanied by a runny nose.

Teeth Grinding

How do you know if your teeth are actually grinding? What are the symptoms? If you are experiencing erosion in your teeth or severe strain in your gums or muscles, this could be it.

The tension caused can create pain in the neck, on the front and sides of the face, or in the ears. In some cases, it can cause massive damage to the teeth, ultimately breaking them.

How to Treat Jaw Pain Caused by TMJ

You can try to nurse it from home, which is the least invasive way. Eat soft foods, stretch and massage your jaw, and apply heat and cold alternately to it.

If your symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend any of the following treatments.

Medicines

Some over-the-counter medicines (pain relievers and anti-inflammatories) commonly prescribed for TMJ are Tylenol and ibuprofen.

Therapies

Therapies can include mouthguards to wear while sleeping, as well as physical therapy to get the jaw muscles strong and flexible.

Surgical procedures

Arthrocentesis, corticosteroid injections, TMJ arthroscopy and modified condylotomy are procedures only done in the rarest of cases.

Improve your Quality of Life

Don’t let these issues get in the way of your quality of life. Say Hello to Raleigh TMJ, a leading sleep therapy and TMJ center. It is best known for offering non-surgical therapies and enhancing the quality of your life, painlessly.

Request an appointment right away and bid goodbye to all your TMJ troubles. Additionally, you can check out our other services, which include a cure for headaches, facial pain, snoring, sleep apnea, and more. Why wait? Request an appointment!

Do You Have an Ear Infection Or Is It Really TMJ? | Ear Pain Relief

At least once a day, someone comes into our offices complaining of ear pain. Most of our patients think that they have an ear infection based on assumption (the pain is coming from the ear region after all!) or becuase their primary care physician indicated as such. Some patients are indeed diagnosed with ear infections but it may come as a surprise that most ear pain has nothing wrong with the ears.

The most common cause of ear pain in an adult is the temporo-mandibular joint or TMJ. The temporo-mandibular joint is located extremely close to the ear canal and middle ear. The muscles that surround the temporo-mandibular joint and the fascia and ligaments that hold the bones in place are intricately connected with the ear and the nerve that supports the ear. Frequently the pain (in one ear or both) has persisted for several weeks and may even come and go. Very often, hearing hasn’t been affected but there will be a stuffy or clogged feeling in the ear. Ear pain is often worse at night or in the morning. Some patients even tell us that their ear pain is worse when they chew or yawn.

Most people with TMJ disorder have some kind of predisposing factor. The most common factor is that the molar teeth do not fit together that well (called a mild malocclusion). When the teeth do not fit together perfectly, biting can cause stress at the jaw joint because an abnormal or uneven force is being applied to one or both of the joint spaces. Very often, people with TMJ have what doctors call bruxism which means that they either clench or grind their teeth. Tooth clenchers tend to clench during the day when they are concentrating or thinking hard about something. The tooth grinders tend to do it at night while they are sleeping. This is a completely involuntary behavior which is mildly stress-related. Ear pain can also be caused by a dental procedure such as root canal or gum cleaning. During these procedures, the temporo-mandibular joint has been stressed because the mouth was held open for a long period of time. There may be some muscle or ligament strain that starts it. Interestingly, many people with this problem will also experience tinnitus or ringing in their affected ear. We do not really understand why the tinnitus is more active during times of temporo-mandibular joint stress; however, because it is a higher brain function, it may be that problems with the ear simply bring the brain’s attention to this part of the body and tinnitus results. The good news is that after the temporo-mandibular joint disorder is treated, the tinnitus and ear pain will resolve.

The conservative treatment for ear pain caused by temporo-mandibular joint disorder is very simple. First, we recommend a soft diet which means no heavy chewing of foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, hard-crusted bread or tough meat. We recommend soft foods such as noodles, scrambled eggs, well-cooked meat and vegetables to reduce the strain on the jaw joint during eating. Of course, we recommend no chewing of gum or other recreational chewing. We recommend the application of warm packs a couple of times a day to help relax some of the musculature in that area. We also recommend prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen around-the-clock for about a week to reduce the inflammation in that area. These measures should help resolve the TMJ flare. Also helpful is the use of a mouthguard or bite plate, especially during sleep. Mouthguards relieve stress from the joint and our TMJ patients have reported instant relief after use. Mouthguards are available over-the-counter and are quite affordable. There are custom bite plates as well that your dentist can make for you which are much more expensive but also more clinically effective.

TMJ can cause other problems in the head and neck, as well. Often, people who clench at night will awake with aches across their cheeks or in the lower jaw. Inflammation of the fascia surrounding the jaw joint can also cause pain that radiates from the ear area up into the temporal muscle in the temple and/or into the neck muscles. Sometimes, people will even think that they have a sinus infection because of the combination of facial pressure and ear pain that they experience.

Other common causes of ear pain are swimmer’s ear or excessive wax impaction which are disorders of the ear canal. Also, less common in adults is otitis media which is an infection of the middle ear. This is the same kind of ear infection that babies and young children often get.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder | Cedars-Sinai

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What is temporomandibular joint disorder?

The temporomandibular joint is actually two pairs of joints that make it possible for the jawbone to rotate and slide. This joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. The temporomandibular joints can be found on either side of the head in front of the ears. These joints allow us to talk, chew and yawn.

When one or more of these joints become inflamed or painful, the condition is called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).

What causes temporomandibular joint disorder?

The lower jaw has rounded ends that glide in and out of the joint socket when you talk, chew or yawn. These are called the condyles. They are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which keeps the movement smooth.

TMJD can occur from:

• Wear and tear on the cartilage.
• Damage to the surfaces of the teeth due to neglect or injury.
• Loose or lost teeth that have led to damage of the jawbone or poor alignment of the upper and lower jaws.
• Poor alignment of the teeth or jaw when biting down. This can cause sensitivity of the teeth as well as affecting the muscles and the temporomandibular joint.
• Overuse of the muscles of chewing. This may occur if a person chews gum continuously, bites fingernails or pencils, grinds the teeth, has a habit of clenching the jaw, biting the cheek or lip or thrusting the jaw out when speaking, exercising or other actions.
• Erosion or improper movement of the disk.
• Damage to the joint from a blow or other impact.
• Arthritis.
• Trigger points in the muscle tissue that cause myofascial pain syndrome.
• Infections deep in the jaw.
• Tumors.

Often, it isn’t clear what is causing the TMJ symptoms.

TMJ disorders most commonly occur in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

What are the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder?

Symptoms of TMJD include:

• Pain, including tenderness in the jaw, aching pain in or around the ear, and aching facial pain. Pain may be present whether the temporomandibular joint is moving or not.
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully.
• Difficulty or discomfort while chewing.
• A clicking or popping sensation in the joint.
• Locking of the joint that makes it hard to open or close the mouth.
• Headache.
• Uncomfortable bite.
• An uneven bite because one or more teeth are making contact with each other before the other teeth do.

How is temporomandibular joint disorder diagnosed?

TMJD is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms. A doctor will take a medical history to learn how long you have had the symptoms, whether you have had a recent injury to the jaw or recent dental treatment.

The doctor will do a physical examination. This will include listening to and feeling your jaw when you open and close your mouth and checking to see what range of motion you have in the joint. The doctor will ask whether you have felt a clicking, popping or rough crackling sound when the lower jaw moves.

The doctor will press on areas of your jaw and face to locate the pain or discomfort. They may also ask about whether you are feeling stress and how you cope with such feelings. You will be asked about habits such as clenching your teeth, chewing gum, etc.

The doctor will check your bite. They will look for lost teeth, unusual placement of teeth, signs of chronic teeth grinding. It may be necessary to follow up with X-rays of the teeth.

In some cases, a computed tomography scan may be done to check the bones of the joint. A magnetic resonance imaging scan may be done to reveal problems with the disk in the joint.

How is temporomandibular joint disorder treated?

Treatment of TMJD varies, depending on what is causing the symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Arthocentisis, a procedure that flushes debris and the byproducts of inflammation out of the joint.
• Correcting poor habits such as grinding the teeth or chewing gum. Sometimes a device (a night guard) inserted in the mouth can help control grinding of the teeth.
• Corrective dental treatment.
• Drugs to relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Splints that reposition the jaw, ligaments and muscles into better alignment.
• Surgery to correct abnormalities of the jaw.
• Stress management such as meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
• Stretching or massaging the jaw muscles.
• Applying heat or cold to the muscles to relieve inflammation and pain.

Key points

• Temporomandibular joint disorder happens when there is inflammation or pain in the joints that make is possible for the jawbone to rotate and slide.
• The disorder can happen due to wear and tear on the cartilage, arthritis, injuries, dislocations, structural problems in the joint, dental problems infections or tumors.
• Treatment options run from stretching and massaging to surgery.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Not what you’re looking for?

Is Your Ear Pain an Infection or TMJ?

TMJ is sometimes called “the great imposter” because it shares so many symptoms with other conditions. That’s partly because TMJ symptoms are so numerous, diverse, and widespread that it’s hard to see them as connected with each other or with your jaw joint.

One common confusion is that people with TMJ may think they just have an ear infection. Ear symptoms are common in TMJ– nearly 80% of people with TMJ report ear symptoms. But if you have symptoms of ear infection that recur, persist, or don’t respond to usual treatment, you should consider that you might have TMJ.

Ear Infections Are Uncommon with Adults

Ear infections are common in children. Most likely, a child has some form of illness, like a cold or flu, which then spreads to the middle ear. Viruses or bacteria reproduce in the middle ear, and they, along with your body’s immune response, create swelling and excess fluid that can lead to clogging of the narrow passage.

Ear infections are more common among children with poorly developed immune systems and narrow ear passages. Adults are unlikely to experience ear infections, even if they got ear infections commonly as a child.

Overlapping Symptoms

When the middle ear gets clogged, people may experience many symptoms that can be common with TMJ. People with both conditions may experience a variety of ear-related symptoms, such as:

• Ear pain
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sensations of ear fullness
• Diminished hearing
• Headaches

With all these symptoms in common, it’s not surprising that people might confuse the two conditions. Especially if you have a history of ear infections, you might jump to the conclusion that you have another ear infection.

But it’s important to look for symptoms that can distinguish between these two conditions.

Distinguishing Conditions

If you have an ear infection, you’ll know it because:

• You are recovering from a recent illness
• You have a fever or localized warmth in the ear
• There’s discharge coming from your ear

If you haven’t been sick recently–or aren’t sick now–then you probably don’t have an ear infection. Fever is a dead giveaway of some kind of infection. TMJ won’t cause discharge from your ears, so that’s a definite sign of an infection. Remember: discharge may come from your outer ear or through your eustachian tubes.

But TMJ is more likely if:

• Your doctor says you don’t have an ear infection
• The symptoms don’t resolve on their own
• The symptoms don’t respond to antibiotics
• You have other TMJ symptoms like jaw sounds or tooth wear
• Your symptoms seem to flare up after intense jaw activity

If you think you have an infection, you may not go to a doctor because viral infections tend to clear up on their own. But if symptoms persist and your doctor either clears you or gives you medication that doesn’t help,it’s time to consider that TMJ may be the cause of your ear symptoms.

This is when you should consider what other TMJ symptoms you may have. Jaw sounds, jaw pain, and tooth wear are all clear indicators that TMJ could be causing your problem. Another giveaway is that your symptoms come on when you work your jaw hard. This may be chewing a tough meal, talking a lot, talking loudly, or clenching your teeth due to stress.

If this sounds like your ear symptoms, then it’s time to talk to a TMJ dentist like Dr. Chris Hill in St. Louis. Please call (314) 375-5353 (Downtown St. Louis) or (314) 678-7876 (Clayton) today to schedule an appointment at City Smiles.

90,000 What to do if the jaw clicks?

Clicks, crunching of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are one of the first symptoms of TMJ dysfunction. And some people are faced with such unpleasant phenomena as clicks in the jaw, crunching in the jaw. Which doctor should you go to if your jaw clicks, crunches and hurts when you open your mouth?

First of all, you need to find an orthodontist or orthopedic surgeon who has knowledge in the field of gnathology and deals with the treatment of such a pathology.

The jaw clicks when opening the mouth – treatment

Three orthodontists, gnathologists, are receiving at the TariDent dental center. When making an appointment, the administrator will help you choose a convenient time and make an appointment with a specialist.

For what symptoms should I see a gnathologist?

• Clicks, crunch in temporomandibular joint (in normal language – jaw clicks, jaw crunches)
• Pain when opening the mouth
• Crunch when opening the mouth
• Pain in the ear when opening the mouth
• Mouth does not open or does not open well
• When opening the mouth, the jaw moves to the side
• Pain in the jaw after long conversations, eating
• Pain when chewing in the jaw
• Teeth grinding (day, night)

What should I do if I have these symptoms?

• Make an appointment with a gnathologist
• Limit solid food intake
• Do not eat food in large pieces, cut into small wedges or grate
• Do not try to open your mouth wide (limit mouth opening, create rest for TMJ)
• Do not chew gum
• Do not compress the jaw too much
• Get good sleep and reduce stress

Further diagnostic tests and treatment will be selected and appointed by a gnathologist.

The article was prepared by Chernaya IN, orthodontist.

Treatment of TMJ by a specialist

• Kurakova Alena

  Sergeevna

  Orthodontist, TMJ specialist

  More details

• Irina Chorna

  Nikolaevna

90,000 Jaw hurts, pain in case of jaw fracture

When the jaw hurts, a person experiences severe discomfort, and with severe pain, he cannot lead a normal life. Despite this, many are still afraid to see a doctor or simply do not know which specialist to visit. Meanwhile, pain is an important signal in medicine, indicating that something has malfunctioned in the human body. Therefore, when the jaw hurts, you should also carefully consider this symptom and not postpone a visit to the doctor.

Jaw pain: causes and consequences

Pain in the jaw can be caused by many reasons, ranging from mechanical injuries to inflammation and cancer.What to do in each of the above cases?

Infectious processes in the jaw (osteomyelitis)

Osteomyelitis is a purulent-infectious disease of bone tissue. It can occur when there is a focus of inflammation in the mouth, ear, throat, and also as a complication of a fracture of the jaw. Distinguish between acute and chronic osteomyelitis. In acute inflammation, general symptoms characteristic of infectious diseases predominate: weakness, fever, headache.Pain sensitivity in the jaw can be both local and radiating to the temple, orbit and extending beyond the jaw. If the cause of inflammation in the jaw is unknown, then you should first contact your dentist to exclude odontogenic osteomyelitis, since it is the most common type of disease.

Osteosarcoma

This is a malignant neoplasm that forms from bone tissue.It begins with muted pains, which intensify more and more, especially when palpating. For an accurate diagnosis of the disease, it is necessary to carry out X-ray diagnostics by a maxillofacial surgeon or dentist and then consult an oncologist.

Temporomandibular joint problems

The function of the jaw joint can be impaired due to trauma, malocclusion, inflammatory diseases of the jaw joint, and neurological problems with the muscles of the jaw.Since a common cause of joint disruption is muscle overstrain, in this case, not only the jaw hurts while talking and chewing, but pain can also occur in the face, neck, near the ear, and headaches can occur.

In the medical center “Garant” on the dysfunction of the jaw joint, you will be consulted and diagnosed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Neuralgia

Neuralgia is a disorder that affects peripheral nerves that mainly run in narrow canals.The jaw can hurt with neuralgia of the ear node (acute pain from hot and cold, going from the temple to the teeth), the superior laryngeal nerve (pain in the hyoid bone), with cranial neuralgia (pain behind the ear and in the lower jaw). In these cases, you will need a consultation with a neurologist.

Carotidinia syndrome

In diseases of the carotid artery, migraine and temporal arteritis, carotidynia can occur, which is a long-term (up to several hours) pain syndrome that affects, in addition to the areas of the face and neck, the lower jaw.

Jaw fracture

This is perhaps one of the most obvious causes of severe jaw pain. The cause-and-effect relationship is a blow – a fracture of the jaw – pain is understandable to everyone. Among the first symptoms that indicate a fracture, and not a bruise, are: unbearable pain, difficulty opening the mouth, malocclusion, swelling, bruising. In this case, an immediate appeal to an ambulance and maxillofacial surgery is required.

If you feel that your jaw hurts, do not delay seeking medical attention, as this symptom may be a sign of the onset of a dangerous illness.

You can also read the article “Surgical Dentistry”.

90,000 We help relieve ear pain radiating to the jaw and temple

When the ear hurts, it radiates to the temple and jaw, a person can “sin” on dental problems. But more often than not, in such cases, the teeth have nothing to do with it. This symptom is a reason for consulting an ENT. We figure out why the pain from the ear gives to the jaw, and how to relieve it!

Varieties of pain

There are different types of ear pains that radiate to the jaw.They are classified by intensity and character.

Intensity

In strength, ear pain can be acute and dull. Acute usually occurs in the event of inflammation or injury and lasts for several days. Dull is more typical for the chronic phase of the disease.

Character

When the ear pain radiates to the teeth, it can be pulling or pulsating (shooting). The first is constantly present, and the second rolls in periods – after chewing, talking, brushing teeth, touching.

Possible causes

There are 2 main reasons why the ear hurts, radiates to the jaw and temple – inflammation in the ears and in the trigeminal nerve. Also, sometimes the pain syndrome is actually caused by dental problems.

Inflammation in the ears

The most common cause is secretory otitis media. This is an inflammation of the middle ear, in which fluid accumulates and stagnates in its cavity. It cannot go out through the auditory tube, therefore it provokes a feeling of squeezing. That is why the pain that characterizes otitis media radiates to the jaw.A similar symptom manifests itself in exudative and purulent otitis media.

When otitis media spreads to the teeth, pain usually occurs on one side. It can be aching or throbbing – it all depends on the degree of development of the inflammatory process. In addition to pain, a person notices ear congestion, hearing loss and malaise.

Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve

The trigeminal nerve comes from the brainstem, its main node is located very close to the ear. From it there are three branches – the eye, maxillary and mandibular.That is why, with a cold, the trigeminal nerve often hurts the ear, gives it to the temple and jaw. Also, pain can be given to the neck and eyes. As a rule, it has a shooting character and appears after chewing, brushing teeth and other movements of the jaw. Along with pain, accompanying symptoms appear – spasms of the chewing and facial muscles, redness of the face.

Dental problems

Sometimes pain symptoms are associated with inflammation of the wisdom tooth, which is located close to the ear. This occurs at the advanced stages of caries, when soft and bone tissues, nerve fibers are affected. In this case, the jaw hurts and gives it to the ear and temple.

What to do if your ear hurts and radiates to your teeth and temple?

When ear pain radiates to the jaw, you need to consult an otolaryngologist, dentist or neurologist. How to know which doctor to go to? Press on the ear tragus – if the pain intensifies, then you should go to the ENT. In case of spasms of the facial muscles, they go to the neurologist, and if the pain intensifies when pressing on the tooth, they go to the dentist.

What can not be done

If your ear hurts, gives to the jaw, do not try to cure it yourself.Warming up the sick side is strictly prohibited – this can intensify the inflammatory process. Also, do not rub and scratch the sore spot – this will spread the infection. Finally, you cannot prescribe antibiotics and analgesics to yourself – you do not know the exact cause of the pain.

Diagnostics

To determine the reason why a person has an ear, temple and jaw pain at the same time, it is carried out:

• Otoscopy – done by an ENT doctor, so you can diagnose otitis media
• Examination of the oral cavity at the dentist’s office – allows you to detect caries
• CT and MRI of the head – shows inflammatory processes in the facial nerves, ears and bone tissue

Treatment

If an ear hurts, it radiates to the jaw – how to treat it? It all depends on the cause of the symptom. For otitis media, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and medications and treatments are prescribed to remove fluid and pus from the ear. Dentists and neurologists have other treatments.

Peculiarities of treatment at Betterton

If you get otitis media in your teeth, we will help you in our ENT center. It uses modern diagnostic methods to accurately determine the cause of the pain. Then our doctors prescribe effective treatment that helps to remove inflammation and relieve pain.

Possible complications

Pain indicates an inflammatory process that can lead to serious consequences.For example, when otitis media spreads to the jaw, inflammation can spread to the facial nerve, bone, and meninges. With purulent processes, fistulas, phlegmon and abscesses that threaten human life are possible.

Prevention

To avoid excruciating pain enveloping the ear, temple and jaw, simple recommendations will help:

• Protect ears from water ingress
• Protect your head from drafts and hypothermia
• Maintain oral hygiene, treat caries on time

If you feel pain, see your doctor immediately. Sign up for a consultation with us to find out how to relieve pain!

Do not try to treat yourself! Consult otolaryngologists at Betterton Hearing Centers in the capital ×

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90,000 Facial pain (facial pain)

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication.In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For a diagnosis and correct treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Pain in the face (facial pain) – the causes of the appearance, in what diseases it occurs, the diagnosis and treatment methods.

Pain in the face belongs to the category of pain syndromes, the diagnosis of which is the most difficult.

Facial pain can be based on diseases of various organs or systems or arise from damage to nerve fibers (primarily cranial nerves).

Separately from these two groups, pain is considered, a clear cause of which sometimes cannot be identified. They are called persistent idiopathic or atypical pain.

Types of pain

Facial pain caused by damage to the branches of the cranial nerves (neurogenic) and pain caused by diseases of organs or systems (somatogenic) are diagnosed.

Neurogenic facial pain

Trigeminal neuralgia

in which the branches of the trigeminal nerve are affected, is characterized by burning pain, which is paroxysmal in nature and intensifies with any movements of the mouth (chewing, opening), tension of facial muscles (smile, grimace).Most often, it is concentrated at the points of exit of the branches of the trigeminal nerve (in the area of ​​the eyebrows and wings of the nose) and may be accompanied by tics. Increased lacrimation is often noted. In the area of ​​the painful point, there is a burning sensation, bursting, the skin turns red or turns pale. An attack can be triggered by pressing on certain points. Sometimes on the face areas with increased or decreased sensitivity come to light.

Possible causes

It is believed that most often such pain occurs due to compression of the branches of the trigeminal nerve in the narrow bony canals of the skull by vessels that form loops around the nerve.In some cases, compression of the nerve in the small bony canals of the upper jaw occurs due to edema of the surrounding tissues due to frequent rhinitis or chronic inflammation in the area of ​​the tooth. A growing tumor can compress the nerve. Sometimes pain syndrome develops against the background of herpetic lesions.

Diagnostics and examinations

When a nerve is compressed in the infraorbital canal, pain can occur in the orbit and eyebrows.When the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve is compressed, the tooth is considered to be the culprit of painful attacks. This can be confirmed or excluded using a panoramic image of the upper and lower jaws. To exclude the tumor nature of the pain syndrome, MRI of the brain or MRI angiography is prescribed.

Which doctors should I contact?

The variety of symptoms accompanying trigeminal neuralgia makes it difficult to diagnose.

Consultations required:

• dentist;
• otorhinolaryngologist, especially in the case of frequent rhinitis;
• neurologist.

What should you do if you have symptoms?

As a rule, patients intuitively exclude factors that can provoke a pain attack. They try to avoid meals, do not wash, for fear of affecting the trigger points of pain.

Treatment

Success in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia can only be achieved with an integrated approach.

After a thorough examination, the doctor may prescribe vitamins, antispasmodics, antidepressants and, in some cases, antiepileptic drugs.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are recommended: laserotherapy, acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis, diadinamic currents, paraffin applications.

If positive results cannot be achieved with drug therapy, surgery may be necessary. Microvascular decompression allows the nerve root to be released. The essence of this operation is to isolate the nerve and the vessel that compresses it. Effective radiofrequency destruction of the affected branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Somatogenic facial pain

Pain in the face and head can be a manifestation of a disease of any organ or system, in which case they are called somatogenic. These pains may not be as sharp and intense as in the case of damage to the trigeminal nerve, but their persistence significantly worsens the person’s condition.

Possible causes

The simplest and most quickly diagnosed cause of facial pain is the affected tooth. With advanced caries or periodontitis, the pain is localized not only in the area of ​​the diseased tooth, but also in the jaw, temple and ear.

A person’s considerable suffering is caused by a malfunction of the masticatory apparatus (dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint).

In addition to intra-articular changes (arthrosis, underdevelopment of the articular head), an incorrect bite can lead to pain, for example, due to the loss of a group of teeth or an incorrectly selected prosthesis, or a prolonged spasm of the chewing muscles.

Inflammatory processes in the paranasal and frontal sinuses can also cause pain. Depending on the location of the pathological process, pain can be felt in different areas of the face. So, with frontal sinusitis (inflammation of the frontal sinuses), pain can occur in the frontal region and give up. Sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary (maxillary) sinuses) is characterized by pain in the infraorbital region with a return to the upper jaw. With ethmoiditis (inflammation of the mucous cells of the ethmoid bone) – between the eyes with recoil to the temporal region.

Diseases of the eyes (eyes) can lead to pain.

Sometimes facial pain is a symptom of angle-closure glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure), which requires immediate treatment, as the disease can lead to loss of vision.

Diagnostics and examinations

To find out the source of the pain, you need to go through a series of tests.

The dentist will order panoramic images of the upper and lower jaw.They allow you to identify a sick tooth and sanitize the focus of inflammation.

If pathological processes in the area of ​​the nasal sinuses are suspected, it is advisable to carry out radiography or computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (primarily the maxillary and frontal).

Much less often, the cause of facial pain is sought in a violation of the temporomandibular joint.

The articular nature of facial pain can be confirmed by radiography of the temporomandibular joint.

The radiologist will help to identify changes in the articular surfaces and deformation of the joint space.

Clinical manifestations of malfunctioning of the temporomandibular joint are characterized by:

– pain and crunching in the joint area when opening the mouth and chewing;

– the inability to smoothly and completely open the mouth;

– swelling and pain in the joint area (between the cheek and the auricle;

– asymmetric opening of the mouth;

– uneven tooth wear on the right and left sides.

The “ocular” nature of facial pain has a number of features.

The pain is always clearly localized on one side. Soreness is felt when moving and pressing on the eyeball. The final diagnosis can only be made by an ophthalmologist after measuring intraocular pressure and examining visual function.

Which doctors should I contact?

The presence of an extensive list of possible causes of facial pain often requires visiting doctors of various profiles: a dentist to exclude pain associated with tooth damage, an otorhinolaryngologist and an ophthalmologist, if there are suspicions of diseases of the ENT organs or eyes.

If the studies do not confirm the somatogenic (that is, due to organ damage) nature of the pain, then the neurologist should continue the further diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment in the case of a somatogenic nature of pain should be aimed at eliminating the disease of the “causative” organ.

In the presence of inflammation in the sinuses of the facial skull, the otorhinolaryngologist will prescribe a complex therapy, including antibacterial drugs, vasoconstrictor sprays, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs.Sometimes a positive result of treatment can be achieved by flushing the sinuses using the YAMIK catheter.

If the cause of the pain is an eye disease, then an ophthalmologist will carry out further treatment. As a rule, when confirming the diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma, a complex of drugs is prescribed, which includes pilocarpine and timolol, as well as diuretics. In the absence of improvement, the optometrist may recommend laser or surgical treatment

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication.In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For a diagnosis and correct treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Information checked by expert

Lishova Ekaterina Alexandrovna

Higher medical education, work experience – 19 years

90,000 causes of pain in the jaw, pain when chewing, treatment

When a person experiences discomfort or hurts in the jaw near the left ear and hurts to chew, then you should pay attention to the nature of the discomfort. Because this symptom can be caused by existing pathologies or the resulting ailment that requires urgent examination and treatment.

And it is also necessary to determine if other symptoms are present.

Reasons for the manifestation of the symptom

In the case when the jaw begins to ache on one side and gives it to the ear, one should speak about the presence of a possible disease:

• Pathologies of the gums, the maxillofacial apparatus and the mandibular temporal joint.
• Diseases of the circulating sinuses.
• Inflammatory and infectious process in the tonsils and adjacent tissues, as well as in the throat.
• Pathologies of the nervous system of peripheral properties.
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Pathologies of the gums, the maxillofacial apparatus and the temporomandibular joint interfere with the proper functioning of the lower jaw on the right and left sides, and also cause discomfort to the ear.

As a rule, problems with the jaw are solved by dentists and surgeons of maxillofacial specialization, performing surgical treatment, eliminating abscesses, osteomyelitis and phlegmon of the jaw.These complications radiating to the ear are noted due to the negative influence of diseased teeth.

Diseases of the air-circulating sinuses occur due to one inflammatory and advanced purulent processes, tumors of the cavity of the bone process located behind the ear.

An otolaryngologist deals with this ailment.

An ENT doctor treats inflammation in the tonsils and adjacent tissues, as well as an infection in the throat.

Problems with the nervous system of a special peripheral direction are provoked by irritation or prolonged inflammation of the nerve nodes that accumulate the bodies and roots of nerve cells.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the lower jaw occurs simultaneously with the collection of infected lymph from the soft facial tissues, throat, nose and eyes.

It happens that they contain cells of an oncological nature , when malignant formations are in the mucous membranes, soft tissues of the occipital and facial regions, as well as in the bones.

It is important to pay attention to the fact that in the absence of deviations from the norm, the lymph nodes do not lend themselves to palpation, do not hurt, and do not harm the ear.

Pain in the jaw on the left and right sides

Discomfort in the jaw, depending on its location, may indicate the presence of various kinds of ailment.

So, under the influence of diseases, it starts to hurt from:

1. Left side.
2. Right side.

Pain in the jaw on the left indicates the presence of a state of angina pectoris or a heart attack . Since, as a result of this kind of pathology, blood circulation in the heart vessels is thwarted, which is why it can hurt behind the sternum and in the center of the chest. And in some cases, the pain radiates to the jaw on the left side.

Usually, the right side of the jaw and ear begins to hurt due to the influence of infections and inflammatory processes or neoplasms. An exception may be trauma, characterized by pain, bruising and swelling, which makes it difficult to open the mouth freely.

During the appearance of an increase in body temperature and the jaw on the right begins to hurt, then we should talk about the presence of a purulent area caused by poliomyelitis as a complication of angina or an ailment of the submandibular lymph nodes.

When the jaw hurts constantly, while the sensations have pulling properties, we should talk about the manifestation of formations.

Oncological factor

It can hurt on the right side of the jaw due to the manifestation of a malignant formation of bone tissue or osteosarcoma .

Before the manifestation of the main symptoms in the nerve processes, sensitivity decreases, there is significant numbness. With the course of this disease, the jaw bones and joints begin to hurt with flow.

A person can be hurt due to the presence of a benign tumor – atheroma. It is caused by one lump near the ear, more precisely, behind it. This fact occurs due to the growth of the lymph node and at the time of probing it resembles a mobile ball with a dense structure.

In most cases, education does not pose a threat, but at the same time it can become inflamed, hurt and fester.

This action is demonstrated by intense long-term pain near the ear, worsening of the general condition of the patient – fever and headache .

Basically, the skin near the lymph node turns red and in the absence of adequate treatment, infection from pus can spread throughout the body, provoking blood poisoning.

In the case when the patient has unpleasant sensations in the lump, otitis media is often recorded – the process of inflammation of the outer or inner ear. In this case, there is a need to undergo an appointment with an otolaryngologist.

Pain while chewing

When the jaw starts to hurt when chewing or opening the mouth, then you need to think about the likelihood of a dislocation of the jaw or the presence of a disease such as osteomyelitis.

Other ailments with similar symptoms include:

• Periodontitis.
• Caries, accompanied by inflammation of the nerve endings.
• Lesion of the pulp.

As a rule, a person begins to pulsate in the jaw with an increase in sensations at night.

Methods for solving the problem

When the true cause of pain in the jaw near the ear on the right or left side is established, the doctor prescribes treatment appropriate to the specific case .

For example, with the detection of the following diseases and the action of certain factors:

• Cyst, periodontitis or pulpitis.
• Pain from wearing the leveling braces.
• Problematic wisdom tooth.
• Pain from wearing dentures.

When a cyst, periodontitis or pulpitis is diagnosed, the necessary surgical intervention is performed. Several days after the operation, during which the source of pain was eliminated , and the discomfort should completely disappear simultaneously with the healing of the surgical wound.

Pain in the jaw and ear resulting from wearing the leveling braces is considered normal until a certain time, because the correction of the bite should be accompanied by pain in the jaw and near the ear. In this case, the dentist can only slightly loosen or tighten the locks and prescribe pain relievers to relieve the symptom.

The patient has to wait until the alignment process is complete.

In a situation in which a wisdom tooth has moved to the side or inward with growth, it is customary to remove it.And if this is not done, then in the future it will constrict the adjacent teeth and injure the soft tissues , which will lead to increased pain.

The removal operation is carried out under local anesthesia. After its implementation, as a rule, there are no complications, if you follow the doctor’s recommendations.

In cases where the jaw and the place near the ear begins to hurt due to wearing dentures, the doctor makes the required adjustments. You should not endure pain, because in any case, it is important to visit the dentist from time to time for examination and appropriate therapy.

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Temporomandibular joint dysfunction ›Diseases› DoctorPiter.ru

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is called differently in medicine: myofacial syndrome, chronic subluxation of the lower jaw, arthritis, arthrosis of the TMJ … of the mandibular joints at the beginning of the 20th century and discovered a connection with ear pain.This is one of the complex and painful pathologies that is not easy to diagnose and treat.

Features

Diagnosis of TMJ lesions is complicated by the fact that this pathology has a lot of symptoms. But some of them can be called classic – those that affect the TMJ joints themselves, ears, head, face and teeth. Since there are no nerve endings in the joints, when their function in this area is impaired, a person does not experience pain. It occurs in the ears, in the neck, head or at trigger points, which are seals in the muscles (masticatory, temporal, sublingual, temporal, cervical) – pain is felt when pressed on them.At the same time, there is a noise in the ears, a crunch in the joints when opening the mouth.

The most common symptom is clicking in the joint of the lower jaw, and not always accompanied by pain. The sound made by the jaw can be heard by others. If the jaw clicks, it means that the disc is displaced and the muscles supporting the lower jaw while chewing food are unnaturally tense. The result of this tension is pain in the muscles, face, head and neck.

Blocking, or locking, of the TMJ is a condition in which the joint moves unevenly due to the abnormalities that have occurred in it.A person notices that the lower jaw opens unevenly, as if catching something. And in order to open the mouth wide, you first need to move the lower jaw in one direction or the other, sometimes this has to be done until a click is heard at the point of its “unlocking”.

Due to the proximity of the TMJ to the auricles, its defeat often causes pain in the ear, its congestion, up to hearing loss. Tinnitus can cause both joint disorders and pain management with drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen).

Headache is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ pathology. It usually concentrates in the temples, the back of the head and even the shoulders (shoulder blades). Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism), which can also be symptoms of TMJ, cause muscle pain that can lead to headaches. A displaced TMJ disc can also cause joint pain that often radiates to the temples, forehead, or neck. Moreover, these pains are so strong that doctors often confuse them with migraines or with brain pathologies.

Due to bruxism, which can be both a cause and a consequence of TMJ lesions, teeth can become very sensitive. At the same time, the dentist cannot find the reasons for this sensitivity and is forced to depulp the teeth, and in some cases remove them in order to relieve his patient of pain. But, on the contrary, it is getting stronger.

TMJ pathology can be associated with back pain due to increased muscle tension (myofascial pain syndrome), dizziness, disorientation, confusion, depression and, on its background, sleep disturbance.It is also possible to develop photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), pain in the eye, blurred vision, and twitching of the eye muscles.

Description

TMJ is a joint located in front of the ear, consisting of the temporal bone and the lower jaw. Muscles that perform the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking connect the lower jaw to the skull. It is this apparatus that allows our jaw to move left and right, open and close our mouth, and extend the lower jaw.It works correctly when the lower jaw moves synchronously in the joint both on the right and on the left – this is a symmetrical organ, therefore, in the event of a malfunction of one of them, the work of the other also fails. Temporomandibular joint disorders develop when the lower jaw shifts during the opening and closing of the mouth and other movements of the lower jaw.

Dysfunction occurs in all age groups, and in general people suffering from this pathology, according to various estimates, up to 70 percent. Among the reasons for its occurrence are malocclusion, a sharp overstrain of the masticatory muscles when chewing hard and rough food, improper dental treatment (tooth filling, prosthetics), bruxism and increased tooth wear, sports loads that lead to overstrain of certain muscle groups.

Often the cause of the development of TMJ dysfunction is stress, as well as improper dental treatment, more precisely, errors of orthopedic dentists, orthodontists, therapists, surgeons: even the treatment of simple caries can lead to dysfunction of the mandibular joint, if the dentist therapist placed an inflated filling, which violated the symmetry and led to unilateral loads, and then to displacement of the discs, and with it to pain. The causes of this disease can also be a joint injury, abrasion of teeth with bruxism, excessive stress during sports.

First aid

If you are sure that the pain you are experiencing is associated with dysfunction of the mandibular joint, then in order to improve the function of chewing and reduce pain, you can use moist heat: you need to apply a compress to the sore spot – a bottle of hot water can perform its function. wrapped in a warm damp towel to avoid scalding.

Ice can help reduce inflammation and dull pain. However, the ice bag (or plastic ice bottle) should not be placed directly on the skin, it is better to wrap it in a cloth.Remember that you cannot use ice for more than 10-15 minutes, the break between the installation of compresses should be at least an hour.

Analgesics can help temporarily relieve pain.

Soft (can be ground) or mixed food gives the jaw a chance to rest. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. Do not try to open your mouth as wide as possible by biting off large pieces.

Learn relaxation techniques that are comfortable for you: Relaxation can help you manage the pain that accompanies TMJ dysfunction.

Diagnostics

It is difficult to diagnose TMJ dysfunction not only for dentists, but also for doctors of other specialties, so it often turns out that the disease is detected late and the treatment is long and difficult. To diagnose TMJ syndrome, radiography (including orthopantomogram), electromyography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthroscopy are used. In order to make a correct diagnosis, it is important to consult with specialists from different directions in dentistry.

Treatment

Due to the fact that joint dysfunction is difficult to diagnose, even dentists have little knowledge of this pathology and methods of treatment. Therefore, most patients do not receive qualified timely help and go to osteopaths, chiropractors, otolaryngologists, therapists, neurologists, psychotherapists … In fact, dentists should deal with the treatment of TMJ diseases, depending on the cause of this condition.

To achieve success in therapy, a set of measures is needed: orthodontic treatment to correct the occlusion, surgery, retreatment of teeth, prosthetics, physiotherapy, acupuncture.

According to the indications, the doctor may prescribe a nightly wearing of a trainer – an articular splint, with the help of which myofascial pain syndrome is relieved. It can be used for both diagnosis and prevention of tooth abrasion with bruxism.

It is imperative to treat TMJ dysfunction – when the disc is displaced, the articular surfaces undergo restructuring (arthrosis), coarse connective tissue grows in the joint cavity, which leads to immobilization of the joint – ankylosis.

Prevention

Prevention is timely and high-quality treatment and prosthetics of teeth, occlusion correction, timely seeking help from a doctor after an injury.

© Dr. Peter

Cheekbone and jaw hurt near the ear to the right or left: it hurts to chew, gives to the ear

The jaw may hurt near the ear on the right or left, usually it hurts patients to chew and talk, sometimes the pathology is accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Pain can occur only when pressed or at rest, be burning or aching. There are many combinations of pain syndrome, and each indicates a specific lesion. Therefore, doctors first conduct a detailed survey of the patient, and after that, they prescribe additional clinical and laboratory tests – MRI, X-ray, complete blood count.

Which doctor to contact if the jaw hurts near the ear

If you experience discomfort and pain in the ear, cheekbone and jaw area, you need to determine which doctor should be consulted. The disease that caused pain in the jaw area can be treated by an otolaryngologist, surgeon or dentist:

• A surgeon is responsible for the treatment of pain caused by a soft tissue disorder of the face.
• If the pain syndrome has arisen due to inflammation of the lymph nodes, ears, sinuses, larynx or tonsils, infectious diseases, you should consult an otolaryngologist.
• If the pain in the jaw near the ear, which manifests itself when chewing, is caused by an inflammatory process in the gums or teeth, a dentist will help get rid of the pathology.
• Maxillofacial and dental surgeons specialize in the treatment of diseases of the temporomandibular joint, dentoalveolar apparatus, phlegmon and abscesses.
• Pain symptoms in the facial area can be caused by diseases of the peripheral nervous system. To identify inflammation or pathology of nerve fibers, you should consult a neurologist.

It is difficult to independently determine what caused the pain syndrome. You should make an appointment with a therapist who will study the clinical picture and redirect the patient to the right doctor.

If the jaw hurts sharply and very badly, you must immediately call an ambulance. Such symptoms may indicate a dislocation or even a fracture.

Why can the jaw hurt near the ear, depending on the location of the pain

Pain localized in the upper jaw can be triggered by sinusitis.The disease develops against the background of injuries to the skull and nose, prolonged hypothermia, pulpitis and periodontitis. Sinusitis can be determined by the following signs: nasal congestion (usually one nostril), separation of thick mucus or pus when blowing your nose, nasal voice, increased body temperature.

The zone of maximum pain sensitivity is usually located near the nose, but in advanced cases the pain can spread to the entire face. Sometimes the disease affects the paranasal sinuses on both sides, but most often it is unilateral.If the patient’s jaw hurts only near the left ear, and it does not hurt him to chew on the right side, then the inflammation develops in the sinuses located on the left.

Both in the upper and lower jaw, pain occurs for the following reasons:

• Osteomyelitis – inflammation of the jaw. It develops as a result of non-professional treatment of sinusitis, tooth extraction, implantation, or sinus lifting. The disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature, the pain may be slightly given to the left or right lower jaw.
• Gingivitis – an inflammatory process in the soft tissues of the gums. This disease is characterized by aching pain and bleeding gums. Additional symptoms are mild fever and bad breath.
• Alveolitis – inflammation of the tooth socket after tooth extraction. The area of ​​painful innervation is small, the temperature is elevated.
• Submandibular abscess, phlegmon .

Pain in the jaw that occurs when chewing and is accompanied by discomfort near the ear may indicate problems such as:

• Carotidinia. The syndrome can develop due to dissection of the temporal artery and soft tissue tumors that irritate the nerve endings located near the carotid artery. Painful sensations are paroxysmal, the most intense pain is expressed in the upper jaw, radiates to the area of ​​the ear, neck and mouth. When you press on the side of the neck and the area under the Adam’s apple, a sharp sharp pain occurs.
• Ear node neuralgia . It can develop as a result of the transferred sore throat, sinusitis and hypothermia.The disease can be recognized by burning, paroxysmal pain that originates in the temple area, passes through the ear and spreads to the lower jaw and chin area. The jaw hurts most of all when pressed under the ear, there is practically no pain inside the oral cavity. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are clicks in the ear and increased salivation.
• Erythroothalgia syndrome. May occur as a result of cervical spondylosis, functional disorders of the temporomandibular joint and damage to the thalamus.With the syndrome, the ear hurts on the left or right side, the jaw aches weaker. Often, pain syndrome affects the back of the head and frontal area.

Description of diseases causing pain in the jaw and ear when chewing

Pain in the jaw near the ear can occur for dental, surgical and neurological reasons. Treatment is prescribed taking into account the provoking factor, localization and nature of pain, accompanying symptoms.

Dental diseases

Aching pain in the cheekbones and jaw may appear after dental procedures.Often the cause of pain is poor-quality removal of a wisdom tooth, caries treatment, or the very started carious processes and prosthetics. Jaw pain of this origin is usually accompanied by swelling and inflammation at the site of surgery. If it does not go away within a few days from the moment of the intervention, you should contact a more qualified dentist to eliminate the medical error.

An exception that does not require treatment is aching jaw pain on the left and right, caused by wearing braces to correct the bite.This pain is caused by constant pressure on the jaw bones, it is the norm and is eliminated with the help of pain relievers.

Pain caused by dental diseases and pathologies is usually throbbing and worse towards night. Against the background of dental pathologies, the cheek can be very swollen. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is necessary to get rid of the source of painful sensations.

Pain with ARVI

The main complication of respiratory diseases is the spread of infection throughout the body.The inflammatory process, as a complication of ARVI, can begin in any part of the body – lungs, intestines, knees, side, mouth. This is why 90,087 cheekbones and jaw can hurt with a runny nose and a common cold.

If the maximum pain is observed between the maxillary and mandibular arch, the reason most often lies in the fact that due to the influx of bacteria and viruses, the articular sac has become inflamed. With this pathology, the jaw hurts near the ear and not during chewing, but constantly.

With inflammation of the auricle, the cheekbone near the ear may hurt. Usually, it is the ear that hurts more intensely, and the pain only gives off to the jaw. This inflammation is often accompanied by general malaise and fever up to 37.5–38 ° C. Otolaryngologists specialize in treating people with complications of respiratory diseases.

Pain from facial trauma

• Soft tissue contusion. Even a slight contusion of soft tissues without affecting the bones is accompanied by an acute pain attack, swelling and hematoma.To exclude the possibility of a fracture, which may not be palpable due to the fact that the cheek is swollen, it is necessary to take an x-ray. The consequences of such an injury should be treated if the symptoms have not disappeared within a few days.
• Dislocation. Dislocation can occur not only due to a blow, but also due to a sharp opening of the mouth. With severe dislocation, even a simple chewing and swallowing movement is given with great difficulty. After the surgeon visually detects a dislocation, he will take a control X-ray to exclude a fracture, and then adjust it.Dislocations are characteristic only of the lower jaw, therefore, the pain manifests itself from below.
• Fracture. When a fracture occurs, unbearable pain occurs around the injury site, extending to the entire face. The victim requires immediate medical attention in a hospital.

Dislocation of the jaw

Tumors

The ear and jaw on one side can hurt during the formation of a bone tumor, both benign and cancer. Before the onset of specific symptoms, numbness in the muscles, mild edema, swelling and discomfort in the joints are observed.In the presence of a tumor under the same ear, in the area of ​​which the jaw aches, the likelihood of developing atheroma, a benign neoplasm, is high. Atheroma can be cured.

TMJ dysfunction

For diseases of the temporomandibular joint, spontaneous pain syndrome is not characteristic, pain sensations appear only when pressing or exerting a load on the joint. With TMJ dysfunction, it hurts a person to chew food, talk, yawn. But the disease is diagnosed by more obvious signs – clicks and crunching of the joint when chewing and talking, tinnitus.

Articular pathologies are characterized by a lesion on one side of the face. If, with pressure, pain occurs in the left ear and the left side of the jaw, then the disease develops there.

How to treat a disease and what can be done at home

Analgesics will help to eliminate acute pain, but taking them will not solve the problem, but will only delay the recurrence of the symptom. You can take the following drugs: Analgin, Ketanov, Dimexide, Dolaren.

In addition to drug treatment, the use of folk remedies is shown, for example, for dental diseases, you can rinse your mouth with a soda solution (1 tsp.l. soda for 1 glass of water), and in case of inflammation, apply warm (not hot) compresses with chamomile to the affected area. But before using any folk remedy, you need to consult a doctor, since pain in the jaw can indicate a very serious pathology, improper treatment of which can lead not only to complications, but also to death.

Treatment options in the clinic:

• Dislocation. The specialist will set the jaw and apply a fixation bandage.
• Contusion. The doctor will order an X-ray to rule out a fracture and apply a bandage.
• Fracture. Splinting, intermaxillary fixation or osteosynthesis with titanium plates (in case of an open fracture) are performed.
• Osteomyelitis. The dentist removes a diseased tooth, reveals purulent foci and prescribes drug therapy.
• TMJ dysfunction. Treatment of patients who have pain in the jaw joint near the ear does not involve surgical intervention.This pathology can be effectively treated with electrical impulses. For this, a special device is used – a myostimulator. One therapeutic procedure lasts about 40 minutes. In addition, medications, massage and other activities are prescribed at the discretion of the doctor.
• Diseases of the ENT organs.