Ear Pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and  associated muscles. While not all cases of TMD involve ear pain, there is a known connection between TMD and unilateral ear pain. At Remedy Clinic our team of dental professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment for this painful and often debilitating condition.  To schedule an appointment, reach out by phone or use the online booking tool right now.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and  associated muscles. While not all cases of TMD involve ear pain, there is a known connection between TMD and unilateral ear pain.

Over 53% of patients with orofacial pain  and dysfunction reported problems with one ear, and over 18% of orofacial dysfunction patients had problems in both ears. 50% of patients with a TMJ Disorder notice ear pain  but do not have signs of ear infection. 

Otalgia can be categorized into two main types: primary and secondary.

Secondary otalgia results from a dysfunction of a complex neural network that is interconnected with other  organs, leading to various causes of referred pain.

The ear shares this neural network with  other regions, like cranial nerves (V, VII, IX, X) and branches of the cervical plexus (C2 and  C3), which can also contribute to referred ear pain. 

Women and adults are more likely  to have a secondary cause of otalgia. Temporomandibular and dental pathology are  cited as the most common causes of secondary otalgia, although a few other articles cite  musculoskeletal sources. Women who are between the ages of 20-40 are more likely to experience otalgia because of temporomandibular joint disease.