Can toothache spread to the ear, head and jaw? Referred pain and warning signs
Yes, toothache can spread to the ear, temple, head and jaw. Because the teeth and these parts of the face share the same main nerve (the trigeminal nerve), the brain can't always tell exactly where pain comes from; this is called referred pain. Problems in the lower molars and wisdom teeth in particular can feel like earache. The reverse also happens: jaw joint and ear problems can be felt as toothache.
Which tooth refers pain where?
| Source | Where pain may be felt |
|---|---|
| Lower molars and wisdom teeth | Ear, in front of the ear, angle of the jaw, neck |
| Upper molars | Temple, cheek, under the eye, upper jaw |
| Upper front teeth | Bridge of the nose, around the eye |
| Jaw joint (clenching) | In front of the ear, temple, a general ache in the teeth |
| Sinus | Several upper back teeth |
Tooth, ear or jaw joint?
- From a tooth: worse with hot, cold or biting; you can often point to a tooth; may throb at night.
- From the ear: a full feeling in the ear, reduced hearing, discharge, fever; starts after a cold.
- From the jaw joint: pain in front of the ear when opening and closing, clicking, tired jaw in the morning, a clenching habit. See clenching and jaw joint pain.
- From a wisdom tooth: swelling of the gum at the back, difficulty opening, a bad taste. See wisdom teeth.
Caution: jaw pain can also come from the heart
A heart attack or angina can sometimes be felt as pain in the left lower jaw or teeth. If jaw or tooth pain comes with chest pressure, breathlessness, cold sweats, pain spreading to the arm or nausea, especially if it started during exertion, call emergency services (112 in Turkey) straight away. This should not wait for a dental appointment.
Treatment depends on the source
At the examination each tooth is checked and X-rays are taken if needed. If a dental problem such as decay, nerve inflammation or a wisdom tooth is found, it is treated and the referred pain settles too. If no cause is found in the teeth, the jaw joint is assessed or you are referred to an ENT doctor. For first aid at home, see how to relieve toothache.
Examination in Beylikdüzü
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Why does toothache spread to the ear?
The teeth and the area around the ear share the same main nerve, so pain from the lower back teeth can be felt in the ear. This is called referred pain.
Can toothache cause headaches?
Yes. Inflammation in the upper back teeth in particular can spread to the temple and head. Clenching can also cause morning head and jaw pain.
How can I tell if my earache is coming from a tooth?
If it gets worse with hot, cold or biting and there is no fullness or discharge in the ear, it may be a tooth. A dental examination, and if needed an ENT examination, will tell for sure.
