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What Are the Common Causes of an Earache and Toothache?
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  • Written By: Dave Slovak
  • Edited By: Susan Barwick
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Many people suffer from earache and toothache problems, which can result from a variety of medical conditions. Earaches and toothaches can also cause a great deal of pain and contribute to other medical issues. Common causes of earaches and toothaches include sinus problems, poor dental health, and various infections. People suffering from earache and toothache pain often have allergies and acute sinusitis, infections, swollen glands, and serious dental problems. Individuals with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) also often experience earache and toothache discomfort.

Some people suffer from frequent earache and toothache problems as a result of sinus difficulties. Certain sinuses in the face connect to the nasal cavity and regulate temperature changes so that the eyes and roots of the teeth are not affected by rapid shifts in temperature. When an individual has a sinus infection, the sinus passageways often become inflamed and clogged with mucus. As this takes place, the sinuses expand and swell, causing pressure to build in the nasal cavity and surrounding areas, including the ears and dental roots along the jaw. As a result, a person with a sinus infection often experiences a tight, sore upper jaw as well as an earache and a toothache.

Another side effect of a sinus infection is that the infection can spread. When a person has a sinus infection or even a common cold, his or her glands may become swollen. Like sinus pressure, swollen glands create painful swelling around the neck, jaw, and ears, often resulting in earache and toothache pain.

Dental problems are a very common cause of toothache and earache pain. Common dental issues include tooth decay, fractured, or cracked teeth, an exposed tooth root, damaged fillings, and infected gums. People who grind their teeth at night are also likely to experience earache and toothache pain.

Individuals who grind their teeth are also prone to TMJ, which can also produce pain in the ears and teeth. Pain associated with this condition is often more acute in the morning hours after the individual has ground his or her teeth throughout the night. Although grinding one's teeth is a common cause of TMJ, there are many other reasons why people develop this condition.

In less common scenarios, people have experienced earache or toothache pain resulting from a negative reaction to certain medications. Some amphetamines, in particular, cause people to tighten their jaw, resulting in sore jaw muscles and possibly toothache pain. Individuals suffering from earache and toothache pain should always inform their primary care physician of any medications they may be taking.

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