Will Wisdom Teeth Cause Ear Pain? Knowing the Ache in Your Jaw and Ear

Wisdom teeth, those mysterious and often troublesome third molars, can erupt anytime between your late teens and early twenties. While some emerge smoothly, causing little to no discomfort, others come in impacted – meaning they're stuck beneath the gum line or angled awkwardly. This can lead to various problems; believe it or not, ear pain can be one of them.

This blog explores the connection between wisdom teeth and earaches, offering insights for our audience. We'll delve into why wisdom teeth might cause ear pain, discuss the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, and guide you on when to seek professional dental help.

What is Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt in the mouth. Their arrival can be chaotic, often causing discomfort due to limited jaw space. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, nearly all adults (around 9 out of 10) have at least one wisdom tooth impacted.

This lack of space can lead to several issues, including:

• Impaction: When a wisdom tooth gets wedged under the gum or erupts at an angle, it's considered impacted.

• Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing misalignment and discomfort.

• Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more susceptible to infection due to trapped food particles and bacteria.

Will Wisdom Teeth Cause Ear Pain?

Wisdom teeth can be the culprit behind your earache. This phenomenon occurs due to a concept called referred pain. The nerves in your jaw, where your wisdom teeth reside, are closely linked to the nerves that innervate your ear. When there's inflammation or irritation around a wisdom tooth, mainly due to impaction or infection, these nerves can send pain signals perceived as originating in the ear. It's a case of mistaken identity by your nervous system.

Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Might Cause Ear Pain

Here's a closer look at how wisdom teeth can specifically trigger earaches:

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: As mentioned earlier, impacted wisdom teeth put pressure on surrounding nerves. This pressure can irritate the nerves and send pain signals misinterpreted as earache.

• Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to disease, which can cause inflammation and swelling in the jaw. This inflammation can further irritate the nerves and contribute to referred pain in the ear.

• Inflammation: Even without a full-blown infection, the eruption process of wisdom teeth can involve some inflammation in the jawbone and surrounding tissues. This inflammation can also trigger referred pain in the ear.

Symptoms 

• Jaw pain and swelling

• Redness and tenderness in the gums around the wisdom teeth

• Difficulty opening your mouth fully

• Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth

• General feeling of being unwell

When to See a Dentist About Wisdom Teeth and Ear Pain

Suppose you're experiencing persistent ear pain, especially alongside other symptoms suggestive of wisdom teeth problems. In that case, it's crucial to consult a dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment of wisdom teeth issues are essential to prevent complications. Here are some scenarios where seeking professional help is vital:

• Persistent ear pain that doesn't improve with home remedies

• Fever or chills alongside ear pain and wisdom teeth discomfort

• Difficulty opening your mouth due to swelling

• Visible pus around the wisdom tooth area

• Numbness or tingling in your jaw or lip

Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Ear Pain

The most common treatment for impacted or problematic wisdom teeth is removal. A dentist or oral surgeon will perform this straightforward surgical procedure. Depending on the case's complexity, the wisdom teeth might be removed under local or general anaesthesia.

Depending on the situation and the dentist's assessment, additional treatment might be necessary before or after the extraction. This could include:

• Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics might be prescribed to clear it up before removing it.

• Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort after the procedure.

Wisdom Teeth Removal- Recovery and Aftercare

Following your dentist's post-operative instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery if you undergo wisdom teeth removal. Here are some general aftercare tips:

• Take the pain medication as your dentist has prescribed. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can also help manage discomfort.

• Minimize Swelling: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site to reduce swelling. Apply the ice pack for 15-minute intervals with breaks in between.

• Gentle Rinsing: After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times daily. This helps remove food debris and promotes healing.

• Soft Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days after surgery. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your mouth heals.

• Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activity: Get plenty of rest after the procedure and avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.

• Keep the Extraction Site Clean: Brush your teeth gently, but avoid brushing directly at the extraction site for the first few days.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth can be a source of trouble, causing earaches and other issues. By understanding the connection between wisdom teeth and ear pain, you can be more aware of the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Early diagnosis and treatment of wisdom teeth issues are crucial to preventing complications like ear pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. 

Resources

• National Health Service (NHS): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/wisdom-tooth-removal/

• British Dental Association: https://www.bda.org/

• British Association of Oral Surgeons: https://www.baos.org.uk/