Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Ear Pain?
August 26, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause ear pain. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth can sometimes cause various symptoms and issues as they come in, including ear pain. Here’s how wisdom teeth can be related to ear pain:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, leading to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can press against neighboring structures, including the jawbone and nearby nerves. This pressure can sometimes cause referred pain that is felt in the ears, leading to ear pain.
- Infection or Inflammation: When wisdom teeth partially emerge or become impacted, they can create a pocket of gum tissue that’s difficult to clean properly. This can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles, potentially causing an infection or inflammation in the gums. This localized infection or inflammation can radiate pain to the nearby ear region.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain: Wisdom teeth issues can affect the alignment of the jaw, which in turn can impact the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ pain can cause discomfort that might be felt in the ears, leading to ear pain or discomfort.
- Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth, especially when impacted, are close to the sinuses. In some cases, issues with upper wisdom teeth can lead to sinus pain and pressure that is perceived as ear pain.
- Nerve Irritation: The nerves in the jaw and face are interconnected. Irritation or inflammation caused by wisdom teeth issues can potentially affect nearby nerves, leading to referred pain in the ear area.
If you’re experiencing ear pain and suspect it might be related to your wisdom teeth, it’s important to consult a dentist or oral surgeon for a thorough examination. They can assess the position of your wisdom teeth, take X-rays if necessary, and determine whether your ear pain is indeed related to your wisdom teeth. Treatment options might include extraction of the wisdom teeth, managing infections or inflammation, or addressing alignment issues that could be contributing to the discomfort.