Pain from a back tooth often spreads to the ear, temple or side of the head because they share nerve pathways. An infected molar, a wisdom tooth coming in, or clenching your jaw are common causes, but only an exam can tell which one applies. Sometimes the ear itself is the problem and the pain is felt in the teeth. Swelling or fever needs care the same day.
Why tooth pain travels
The trigeminal nerve carries feeling from your teeth, jaw and much of your face, and it is one of several nerves that supply the ear. When one branch is irritated, the brain can't always tell exactly where the pain started. That's why a problem in a back tooth can feel like an earache or a headache.
Common causes
| Cause | Clues |
|---|---|
| Infected back tooth | Throbbing in one tooth, pain when biting, swollen gum |
| Wisdom tooth coming in | Ache at the very back, sore gum, stiff jaw |
| Clenching or grinding | Dull ache in temples and jaw, worse in the morning |
| Jaw joint strain | Clicking or pain in front of the ear when you chew |
| Ear infection | Ear fullness, muffled hearing, recent cold |
| Sinus pressure | Upper teeth ache, worse when bending over, stuffy nose |
A tooth at the very back is a frequent source; our wisdom tooth pain page covers that cause.
Clues that point to a tooth
- You can tap one tooth and it hurts more
- Hot, cold or biting sets off the pain
- The gum near one tooth is swollen or tender
- A bad taste in your mouth
Clues that point somewhere else
- No single tooth hurts
- Hearing feels muffled or the ear drains
- Pain comes with a cold or allergies
- Pain sits mostly in front of the ear and changes when you open wide
If you're not sure, a dentist can check your teeth and jaw first and tell you if a doctor should look at your ear.
When to get care fast
A swollen face or jaw, a fever, or trouble opening your mouth calls for a same-day dental visit (see our abscess treatment page). Go to the ER if swelling spreads toward your eye or down your neck, or if you have trouble swallowing or breathing. A sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had, or a headache with a stiff neck or confusion, also needs the ER, not a dentist.
What helps for now
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs.
- Hold a cold pack on the sore side for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Eat soft food and chew on the other side.
- Relax your jaw and keep your teeth slightly apart.
Our toothache relief page explains how the cause is found. The American Dental Association's dental emergency guide covers more first steps.
More help from our site
- Can a tooth infection go away on its own?: why an infected tooth needs treatment
- Same-day and walk-in visits: how to be seen today
- Saturday emergency dentist: our Saturday hours
- Emergency dental FAQ: hours, cost and what to expect
Further reading
- MedlinePlus: Toothaches: causes of tooth pain
- MedlinePlus: Earache: ear pain that can come from the teeth or jaw
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: TMD: jaw joint and muscle pain
Need an Emergency Dentist?
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If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading, go to the emergency room or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tooth infection cause an earache?
Yes. Infections in lower back teeth commonly cause pain felt in the ear.
Can a bad tooth cause headaches?
It can. Clenching and grinding often cause aching in the temples, and a tooth problem can sometimes add to a headache. If headaches keep coming back, a dentist or doctor can help find the cause.
Should I see a dentist or a doctor for ear and tooth pain?
If one tooth hurts or your gum is swollen, start with a dentist. If your hearing changes or the ear drains, see a doctor.
Why do my toothache and headache stay on one side?
Each side of the face has its own set of nerves, so pain from a tooth is usually felt on that same side of the jaw, ear and head.
If you're in Phoenix
You can walk in to our North 35th Avenue office Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for a same-day emergency visit. Call (602) 737-2446 and we'll let you know the current wait. The emergency exam and X-rays are $45.
Patients drive in from Glendale, North Phoenix and Moon Valley.
The $45 covers the emergency exam and diagnostic X-rays. Treatment is priced separately and explained before any work begins.
For ER warning signs, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center and Banner Thunderbird Medical Center are nearby. Payment options are on our cost page.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an exam by a licensed dentist.