Question 1

why can't i open my jaw with an ear infection?

Accepted Answer

TMJ involvement : There could be several possibilities. If you have clinically been diagnosed with an ear infection by an ENT physician . Then it could be extension of the infection into the jaw joint or you could be clenching or grinding your teeth secondary to the discomfort your having causing jaw muscle spasm. Suggest you contact an oral surgeon for an evaluation.

Question 2

i have an ear infection, and have had it for about a week or so, and it is causing me to have lock jaw. is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Lock jaw is a buzz: word for tetanus, but if you mean stiff temporomandibular joint (TMJ) then you may have an ear infection that has tracked itself down into a joint... A bad condition but not untreatable.  Please proceed to the nearest healthcare provider for proper examination and diagnosis.  Thanks for trusting in HealthTap.

Question 3

can an ear infection cause your jaw to  hurt?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: The nerves to your ear also go to your jaw and so pain in one area can feel like it is in another. Most commonly, people with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) who have clicking in their jaw joint, teeth-grinding, or pain with eating can have referred pain to the ear.

Question 4

could an ear infection cause my jaw to hurt and feel locked?

Accepted Answer

Not sure: I'm not sure an ear infection could cause those symptoms.  However, tmd (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) could cause symptoms of an ear ache or ear infection.  The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is in close approximation to the ear.  If there is inflammation going on around the joint it could be putting pressure on the ear.  Jaw hurting and feeling locked are signs of tmd.  I'd see a dentist.

Question 5

i have sinus/ ear infection. started about a week ago. i have been noticing pain in my jaw( pressure) and sometimes it is locking on me. is this norma?

Accepted Answer

Not normal: Are you taking medication?  Are you self diagnosed?  It could be tmj.  See a dentist for an evaluation?

Question 6

hi, i've developed a boil or possible ear infection this past saturday.  whenever there is moment in my jaw, there's slight pain occurrence.  when should i seek care?

Accepted Answer

Now: With any suspected infection time matters as initiating proper treatment makes a big difference. Best to start with an exam will be your doc or any urgent care if they are open. A focused exam will be needed along with a detailed history.

Question 7

is jaw pain connected to ear infections?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Consult your ENT physician first.  You do have the option of consulting an orofacial pain dentist (find one on www.Aaop.Org).

Question 8

can ear infection cause jaw pain?

Accepted Answer

Otitis Media/Externa: Yes, the pain can be referred and also exaggerated on opening and closing.  The opposite is true too, you can have TMJ issues or tooth abscesses that can have referred pain into the ear making it seem as if you have an ear infection, lie with wisdom teeth.

Question 9

can jaw pain be from an ear infection?

Accepted Answer

Yes or : The teeth ; or jaw joint may cause significant ear pain. There is some crossover in the nerve that assesses pain from this area as a branch supply's the ear drum while another supplies the gum line ; jaw.

Question 10

will an ear infection make your jaw hurt?

Accepted Answer

ALL RELATED: It is common to have related pain from ear to jaw to teeth.  Sometimes one existing problem cause pain in other areas. However, you may have two independent problems in two separated areas, and one poor condition may be negatively affecting (making worse) other existing problems in other areas.  Please see a pcp or ENT doctor. If you have not seen a dentist, it is also a good idea to see a dentist.

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Doctor answers about:

Ear infection affecting jaw

A member asked:

Why can't i open my jaw with an ear infection?

A member asked:

I have an ear infection, and have had it for about a week or so, and it is causing me to have lock jaw. is that normal?

A member asked:

Can an ear infection cause your jaw to hurt?

A member asked:

Could an ear infection cause my jaw to hurt and feel locked?

A member asked:

I have sinus/ ear infection. started about a week ago. i have been noticing pain in my jaw( pressure) and sometimes it is locking on me. is this norma?

A member asked:

Hi, i've developed a boil or possible ear infection this past saturday. whenever there is moment in my jaw, there's slight pain occurrence. when should i seek care?

A member asked:

Is jaw pain connected to ear infections?

A member asked:

Can ear infection cause jaw pain?

A member asked:

Can jaw pain be from an ear infection?

A member asked:

Will an ear infection make your jaw hurt?

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