Can Toothache Give You Earache?
Yes, it can, and when it does, the deep, nagging tooth pain can spread into your jaw, face and even your ear, making it difficult to understand the origin of the pain.
Why Toothache and Earache are Connected?
Your teeth, jaw joints and ears sit close together and share important nerve pathways. When a tooth becomes badly decayed, inflamed or infected, those nerves can “mix up” the signals and your brain may register the pain in your ear as well as in the tooth.
Typical dental causes include:
- Deep decay or cavities reaching the nerve of the tooth
- Dental abscess, where an infection builds up and it begins to throb
- Teeth grinding or clenching can overload the jaw joint and muscles
- Jaw joint (TMJ) problems can create pain around the ear
The reverse can also happen where an ear infection or sinus problem can send pain towards the upper teeth or jaw.
A patient-style example
If you have a dull ache in your back tooth which has lasted for a few weeks. One evening the pain suddenly sharpens, comes in waves, and a little later your ear on the same side feels heavy, sore and “blocked”.
You take a painkiller to ease the pain, but the ache returns when you lie down. Hot drinks cause pain to that tooth, chewing feels awkward, and the whole side of your face feels tired and you feel miserable. That kind of pattern is very typical of referred pain from a problem tooth, such as a deep cavity or a developing abscess.
A simple home check many patients notice: if gently tapping the tooth or biting on that side makes the pain spike, the tooth is likely to be involved—even if your ear is the part that feels worse.
Step‑by‑step: What you can do when a Toothache Gives You a Earache
When tooth and ear pain overlap, it helps to pause and notice a few details.
- Think about where the pain started first: did it begin in one tooth, in the ear, or did both hurt together?
- If you have teeth sensitivity to hot or cold, pain on biting, a chipped or broken tooth, swelling in the gum, or a bad taste in the mouth.
- Look for “ear clues”: reduced hearing, discharge, a feeling of fullness or pressure, or a recent cold, flu or sore throat.
In the short term you can:
- Use suitable over‑the‑counter pain relief, following the instructions on the packet
- Avoid hot, cold or sugary foods on the sore side of your mouth
- Avoid putting aspirin or gels directly on the tooth or gum, as these can irritate or burn the tissues
Contact a dentist promptly if:
- The pain lasts more than a day or two
- It keeps waking you at night
- You notice swelling, fever, difficulty opening your mouth or any trouble swallowing
If you live in or near Isleworth and notice toothache together with ear pain, an urgent appointment at Bridge Dental and Cosmetic Studio can help identify the exact cause and give you targeted relief.
Myths, worries and sensible checks
It is very common to worry that earache linked with a tooth means something serious or unusual. In most people, though, the cause is a familiar one—decay, gum problems, grinding or minor jaw issues that can be managed once they are properly assessed.
Another frequent worry is that if the ear hurts more than the tooth, it cannot possibly be a dental problem. Because of referred pain, the tooth may feel dull or background while the ear feels sharp and intense, yet the source can still be the tooth or jaw joint.
When in doubt, it is reasonable to have both areas checked. A dentist can confirm or rule out dental and jaw causes, while a GP or ear, nose and throat specialist can look for issues in the ear or sinuses.
FAQs on when a Toothache Gives You a Earache
- Can toothache cause an earache on just one side?
Yes. A problem with a tooth on one side of the mouth often can cause pain on the same side of the ear because the nerves on that side are closely linked. - How to tell if it is an ear infection or a tooth problem?
Tooth problems usually increase when you bite, chew or eat hot or cold food, whereas ear infections are more likely to cause hearing changes, discharge or a pressured feeling in the ear. - Is toothache with earache ever an emergency?
It can be if you have severe pain, facial or jaw swelling, fever, or any difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth fully. Visit a GP immediately. - Can this sort of ear/tooth pain settle on its own?
The discomfort sometimes eases for a while, especially with pain relief, but if decay or infection is present it returns and can become more intense over time if left untreated.
If tooth or ear pain is ruining your day, book an appointment with Bridge Dental and Cosmetic Studio in Isleworth to get an assessment and a clear plan to help you feel comfortable and better again.