What can cause ear and jaw pain?

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from mild aches to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including mouth or ear infections, joint injuries, and tooth grinding. Treatment can depend on the cause.

It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the cause based on symptoms alone, so they will consider risk factors and recent history. For example, a person who has not been to the dentist in many years and has a history of tooth pain may have a cavity.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain. Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure.

The sternocleidomastoid is a thick muscle that extends from just under the ear down to the collarbone. Injuries to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, as well as sinus pain and eye pressure.

When a person has these symptoms but has no injuries and no other signs of infection—such as a fever or runny nose—an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A doctor can rule out other causes, such as infections of the middle or inner ear, by carrying out a physical examination.

A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw. In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.

An ear infection can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth. In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections. Ear infections can also happen when water or other fluids build up in the ear.

A person with an ear infection may have other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy. The pain of an ear infection can be intense and may get rapidly worse without treatment. Untreated ear infections can spread to other parts of the body. Some people develop an infection called mastoiditis, which is an infection in the mastoid bone near the ear. When this happens, a person may experience swelling close to the ear, hearing problems, or a high fever. Severe cases of mastoiditis can be life threatening and require immediate treatment.

An injury, such as a broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, could cause jaw pain that radiates to the ear. If a person notices ear and jaw pain shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, they may have a jaw injury that needs medical treatment.

Grinding the teeth, or bruxism, at night places stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. The tension can cause pain in the jaw, in the ears, and on the front or side of the face. Some people may also damage their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.

It is safe to treat ear and jaw pain at home when it is not due to an underlying infection or a serious injury. People can try the following strategies:

Sleep with a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding.
Try applying heat or ice to the injury, as this can ease pain and promote healing.
Gently massage the jaw to reduce muscle tension.
Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Try stretching the sternocleidomastoid by tilting the ear down toward the shoulder and holding it there for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Stretch the jaw muscles by opening the mouth and jutting out the lower jaw, then holding this position for a few seconds. Next, try moving the teeth forward and back and from side to side in a circular motion.

If home treatment fails, a person should speak to their healthcare professional.

Bacterial infections almost always require antibiotics. Sometimes, a person needs other medical treatments, particularly in the case of serious infections, such as mastoiditis.

Ear and jaw pain can be extremely unpleasant. Prompt medical treatment can help, even when there is an underlying chronic condition. It is best to see a healthcare professional for ear and jaw pain if: