Ear and Tooth Pain

Ear and Tooth Pain

 

The most common causes of ear and tooth pain include infections, fluid buildup in the ear, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, cavities, and tooth impaction. Ear and tooth pain often occur simultaneously due to the closeness of the nerves and other tissues in the face and head. While some causes of pain in these areas are serious, most pain is caused by minor infections or illnesses that can be easily treated by a doctor or dentist.

Ear and tooth infections are the most common causes of pain in these areas. Pain deep inside the ear that may radiate down the jaw if often caused by a middle ear infection, and may be present with a fever and fluid drainage from the ear. An infection in the ear canal, outer ear, or the mastoid bone behind the ear can also cause pain. These types of infections often occur with redness and swelling of the outer ear or the area around the ear, and require prompt medical attention. Infections of the teeth or gums due to poor oral hygiene, abscesses, or conditions such as gingivitis can also lead to pain in the mouth that may also affect the ear.

Fluid that builds up inside the ear can lead to pain and pressure. The discomfort may extend down the jaw and affect the teeth as well. Eustachian tubes inside the ears can become blocked with fluid due to sinus pressure from a cold or the flu. Over-the-counter decongestants can help dry up excess fluid, and a warm compress or heating pad applied to the ear or jaw can help minimize pain. In severe cases, doctors can drain the fluid from the ear or implant tubes in the eardrums to stabilize pressure inside the ears.

 

Ear and tooth pain that occurs at the same time is common for people who suffer from TMJ syndrome. The temporomandibular joints on either side of the jaw can become dislocated or suffer from wear on the cartilage disks that cushion the joints, resulting in pain that may occur at the jaw joint, in the ear, or in the teeth. Treatment for TMJ syndrome includes mouth guards, jaw exercises, and bite therapy to help align the jaw and reduce clenching and grinding, which can make symptoms worse.

Dental problems, including cavities and tooth impaction, often lead to ear and tooth pain. Pain from problems that affect the roots of the tooth can manifest in the mouth, up the jawline to the ear, or over the entire side of the face. Wisdom teeth located at the back of the mouth often become impacted and must be removed by an oral surgeon
if they lead to pain or other dental problems.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Raisin Eyebrows: Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Do you remember how disappointed you were as a kid when some concerned adult

dared put raisins in your Halloween bucket? Your mother was probably relieved,

convinced they would be far better for you and your pearly whites than the rest of the

junk food you'd strung out across the living room floor. Ask a pediatric dentist, however,

and you might get a different story.

 

It's true that there are a number of benefits to eating raisins. They're low in fat and

cholesterol, and boast plenty of fiber, calcium and potassium. Unfortunately, they're also

both sticky and high in sugar, putting them high on the list of foods that can cause

cavities. Some health professionals lump them in with all the other typical junk foods

kids eat. Don't worry, raisins aren't the only foods once thought healthy that can

contribute to tooth decay. Go ahead and add other dried fruit, sweetened cereals and

even fruit juices to the list.

 

Don't chuck raisins out just yet, however. Raisins were recently found to contain

phytochemicals, which are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria commonly linked to

cavities. Note that this study was conducted in a lab, and no study has even been done

to show that cavities are either more or less likely to find kids that eat raisins.

So, where does this leave you? A good general rule when it comes to eating for good

health (oral and otherwise) is to stick with whole fruits and vegetables whenever

possible. If you must eat something that you aren't sure is good for you, do it in

moderation. Be sure to drink lots of water, and always either brush your teeth or rinse

your mouth out with warm water after eating sugary or acidic foods to prevent tooth

decay!

 

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com  We want to see you smile!