Ear infections are also not uncommon, but what do you do when they are making their way to your gums? When it comes to ear infections, it’s common to have a mix of symptoms from sharp pain to swelling — and maybe some pain in your gums, too. But can it really cause gum swelling? The short answer is yes, it can, and here’s how.
How Could Ear Infection Cause Gum Swelling?
Middle ear infections (otitis media) are often associated with different ear and surrounding areas discomforts. But did you know they’re not just body-battling, they’re also mouth-minding? This is because of the close anatomical relationship of the ear with the throat and mouth, and a specific structure being crucial for this connection.
A key role is played by the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. If this tube becomes blocked or inflamed, as with an ear infection, the inflammation can spread. This infection can spread beyond the ear, which may in turn involve the surrounding gum tissues and cause swelling.
Pain or discomfort can also include jaw and are sometimes a sign of an infection spreading and being serious enough to cause harm to the health of your teeth. The infection may cause swelling of the gums, and in a few cases, be a cause of an actual infection in the gums.
What Are the Symptoms of Ear Infections and Gum Swelling?
Knowing the symptoms of an ear infection and its effects on the gums can ensure that you seek immediate medical attention. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Ear Pain: Ongoing pains in the ear that might spread to the jaw or teeth.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gum tissue, usually due to infection.
- Chewing Pain: Experiencing discomfort in the mouth when chewing, which may suggest referred pain from the ear infection.
- Fever and fatigue: Fevers are general signs of an infection that can affect your body and your health, including your oral health.
- Problems moving your jaw: Not being able to open your mouth all the way or pain in your jaw from an ear infection.
How Does an Ear Infection Impact Your Oral Health?
The link between the ear and oral wellness largely relates to the Eustachian tube, and the relative location of the ear to the jaw. Ways an ear infection can affect your oral health include:
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube can become blocked when inflammation due to ear infection is present, resulting in fluid buildup behind the ear. This can create pressure in the mouth and jaw.
- Skin Inflammation: The infection or inflammation can spread from the ear to the neighboring gum tissue, leading to swollen gums and general discomfort in the mouth.
- Jaw Pain/Discomfort: The muscled and nerve systems around the jaw area are connected to the ear itself so a possible infection in the ear can sometimes have an affect on the muscles around the jaw impacting on pain and discomfort when chewing or moving your mouth.
Do Sinus Infections Cause Gum Swelling?
Sinus infections can also play a role in gum swelling. Sinus problems, like ear infections, can also cause inflammation in the nasal cavities and the areas around the jaw and gums. Sinus infections are known to cause facial pain and pressure, and this discomfort can be felt in the upper jaw and gums.
The roots of your upper teeth are, as a matter of fact, located quite near the sinus cavity, so if the sinuses become inflamed, this can result in referred pain, or swelling, of the gums and jaw. It’s important to differentiate between sinus infections and ear infections since both can have an impact on the mouth.
What To Do About Gum Swelling From Ear Infection
If you suspect that the ear infection is responsible for the gum swelling, it is important to treat both the ear infection as well as the symptoms in the oral cavity.
How to Treat Gum Swelling Due to Ear Infection
- Antibiotics: If the ear infection is caused by bacteria, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection and reduce the swelling in your gums.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter drugs, including ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help reduce the pain in both your ear and your gums.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with gum disease.
- Decongestants and Antihistamines: These help to reduce sinus congestion or ear fluid build up that may help with reducing your gum swelling.
- Dental Care: You want to keep your mouth clean, so brush gently around the swollen gums, my Dental Clinic Penrith recommended mouthwash, etc., to try and minimize any additional irritation.
When to See a Dentist for Gum Swelling Due to Ear Infection
If the swelling in your gums doesn’t go down after the ear infection is treated, or the pain becomes more severe, you may need to see your dentist. Here are some other indicators that it’s time to see your dentist:
- Swelling Doesn’t Subside: If the swelling in your gums doesn’t go down after a few days, it may be a sign that the infection has not resolved itself.
- Severe Mouth Pain: Severe pain, particularly when eating or speaking, may also indicate the infection has spread or that something else is wrong.
- Signs of Infection: If you see signs of infection in your gums like pus, bleeding, or pain that becomes worse, you need to see a dentist right away.
What Ear Infections and TMJ Have in Common
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) near the ear is important for jaw movement. Ear infections can occasionally cause TMJ disorders. These disorders can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort in the ear, face and mouth, overlapping with symptoms of an ear infection. And when you’re dealing with TMJ problems related to an ear infection, you might also begin to see swelling in the gums due to the fact the joint is nearly in the mouth.
How Do You Prevent Your Gums From Getting Caught Up In Ear Infections?
Keeping your ears and oral health clean is the first step in trying to prevent ear infections and gum swelling. Here’s how you can stop ear infections from affecting your gums:
Stay Aware of Ear Infections: Get ear infections treated early and fast to keep them from worsening or spreading.
Practice good oral hygiene: Making sure to brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash can keep an infection from reaching your gums.
Do Not Smoke: Smoking can increase the cause for infections in the ears and gums, and if you avoid smoking, you can avoid a number of complications.
Hydrate: Your mucous membranes need to stay hydrated to prevent an infection in your mouth and your ears, so drink plenty of water.
Bella Dental Your Go-To Place For Ear Infection And Gum Swelling
At Bella Dental in Penrith, we know that gum swelling, ear infection, and its link can all be worrisome for you. Let our staff help you determine what is causing your symptoms and assist you in identifying the best treatment options. Be it ear infections affecting your gums or any other oral issue, we are here to ensure that you are provided with the care you deserve. Don’t allow the discomfort from an ear infection take a toll on your oral health – call us today for an appointment so you can return to your normal self!
Read More: Do Braces Make Your Gums Swell? What You Should Know According to Penrith Orthodontic Specialists
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FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. Can ear infections really cause gum swelling?
- Yes, ear infections can lead to gum swelling due to the anatomical connection between the ear and mouth, especially if the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed.
2. How can I tell if my gum swelling is due to an ear infection?
- If you also have ear pain and your symptoms are also making it hard to chew or talk, this is probably related to ear infection.
3. Should one visit the dentist for gum swelling due to an ear infection?
- If the swelling doesn’t subside after treating the ear infection or the pain worsens, you should visit your dentist for further evaluation.
4. Can an ear infection cause problems in my jaw?
- Ear infections can cause referred pain in the jaw, as the ear is near the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and can even refer pain to the gums.
5. What treatments are available to treat gum swelling due to an ear infection?
- Antibiotics (if bacterial), pain relief medication, and good oral hygiene are treatments for ear infections swelling the gums. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
6. Does gum swelling also relate to sinus infections?
And yes, sinus infections can also be a cause of gum swelling, especially in the upper jaw, as the sinuses are close to the roots of your upper teeth.
