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Can A Tooth Infection Cause Ear And Head Pain?

Persistent tooth infection may cause ear and head pain because of the connection between your teeth and the trigeminal nerve.

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Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : September 16, 2025 4:04 PM IST

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Tooth infection is very common across all ages. This might occur because of reckless food habits and poor oral hygiene. Persistent tooth infection may cause ear and head pain because of the connection between your teeth and the trigeminal nerve.

What Causes Tooth Infection?

Tooth infection is one of the most common diseases people get during their lifetime. It may be caused by the bacteria in your mouth that stick to your teeth, which you feed the bacteria every time you eat and drink.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, "The bacteria produce acid, which starts to dissolve the outer enamel layer of your teeth. Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel. If the repair isn't fast enough, bacteria get inside your tooth and make cavities. Cavities will get bigger unless the bacteria are stopped or removed."

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"A tooth abscess, which is a bacterial infection at the root of a tooth, can cause severe localized pain. In some cases, this infection can spread to other areas of the head, leading to a headache. If left untreated, the infection can trigger inflammation and increase pressure around the affected area, exacerbating headache symptoms. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to more serious complications, making it essential to seek timely dental care," Sahyadri Hospital explains.

Symptoms of Tooth Infection

Symptoms of tooth infection may vary from person to person, but Mayo Clinic highlights some of the most common signs that people experience:

  • Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear
  • Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures
  • Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting
  • Fever
  • Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
  • Foul odour in your mouth
  • Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures

Prevention Of Oral Infection

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the burden of oral diseases and other noncommunicable diseases can be reduced through public health interventions by addressing common risk factors.

  • Promoting a well-balanced diet low in free sugars and high in fruit and vegetables, and favouring water as the main drink;
  • Stopping the use of all forms of tobacco, including the chewing of areca nuts;
  • Reducing alcohol consumption; and
  • Encouraging the use of protective equipment when doing sports and travelling on bicycles and motorcycles (to reduce the risk of facial injuries).

Tips To Clean Your Teeth And Gums

The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains the best oral hygiene to keep you away from tooth infection:

  • Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
  • Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.
  • Brush carefully and gently along your gum line.
  • Lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to help keep your mouth clean.
  • Clean between your teeth with dental floss, pre-threaded flossers, a water flosser, or a similar product. Flossing removes plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can't reach.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after you floss.

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N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe is a Senior Editor at TheHealthsite.Com. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Hyderabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Patkai Christian College. She is a Health and Lifestyle Journalist who ... Read More