Ear infections are a common condition, but one might wonder what happens when it affects the gums. Because of this, when you have ear infections, you’re not only prone to feeling pain but swelling or even tenderness in your gums. But can an ear infection really make your gums swell? The short answer is yes, it can, and here’s how it does.
How does an ear infection make gums swell?
Middle ear infections (otitis media), most commonly known as ear infections, are frequently associated with different pain manifestations in the ear and nearby structures. But did you know they can also influence your oral health? The reason for this is due to the anatomy that governs the ear, the throat and the mouth — and a key structure that connects them.
A key player here is the Eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the back of the throat. If this tube is blocked or inflamed as a result of an ear infection, the inflammation can extend. That inflammation might not be limited to the ear, and this, in turn, can also spread to the adjacent gum tissues, causing them to swell.
Sometimes the infection spreads which is caused due to dental health problems which also leads to problems in the jaw or slight pain in the mouth. This can be followed with swollen gums owing to the inflammation from the infection, and in rare instances, even infection in the gums.
What Are the Symptoms of Ear Infections and Gum Swelling?
Identifying the signs of an ear infection, as well as the impact it has on the gums, will help you get timely treatment. Common symptoms to look out for include:
- Ear Pain: Chronic ear pain that can also extend to the jaw or teeth.
- Gum Swelling: Infected gum tissue swelling.
- Pain When Eating: Distress in the mouth while chewing, potentially a sign of referred pain from the ear infection.
- Fever And Fatigue: General indications of infection that can also influence your overall health, including your oral health.
- Problems With Jaw Movement: Your mouth cannot open wide or there is pain in the jawbone, which is in your ear.
What Is the Impact of an Ear Infection on Your Oral Health?
Much of the relation of the ear with oral health is due to the presence of the Eustachian tube and the proximity of ear to the jaw. Here’s how an ear infection can impact your oral health:
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: If inflammation from an ear infection blocks the Eustachian tube, fluid will accumulate behind the ear. That, in turn, can create pressure in the mouth and jaw.
Infection: Inflammation may spread to the nearby gum tissue and lead to swelling and tenderness in the mouth.
Jaw Pain and Discomfort: The muscles and nerves surrounding the jaw connect to the ears, so an ear infection might at times impact the muscles surrounding the jaw, causing pain or discomfort when chewing or moving your mouth.
Can a Sinus Infection Cause Swelling in the Gums?
Sinus infections can also lead to gum swelling, so keep that in mind. As with ear infections, sinus issues can cause inflammation to spread through the nasal passages as well as the areas around the jaw and gums. Sinus infections can lead to facial pain and pressure, which can be felt in the upper jaw and gums.
In fact, the roots of your upper teeth live near the sinus cavity so if your sinuses are inflamed, this can cause referred pain or swelling in the gums and jaw. And it’s important to distinguish between sinus infections and ear infections here, because both can cause oral pain.
How to Manage Gum Swelling from Ear Infection
If you suspect your ear infection is affecting your oral health, be sure to treat both your ear infection and symptoms in your mouth. Here is 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 treat the infection and reduce the swelling in your gums.
- Pain Relief: If your ear and gums hurt, you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol over the counter to help.
- Salt Water Rinses: A warm salt water rinse can help to sooth issues with inflamed gums and may reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Decongestants and Antihistamines: These can reduce sinus congestion or fluid build-up in the ear that may also aid in decreasing gum swelling.
- Dental Care: You will want to maintain oral hygiene and brush gently around the swollen gums and rinse with a mouthwash recommended by your dentist to reduce any further irritation.
How Do You Know When to Visit a Dentist for Ear Infection Related Gum Swelling?
If the swelling in your gums doesn’t abate after treating the ear infection, or if the pain is getting worse, it is time to visit the dentist. other symptoms that you have to visit your dentist:
- Swelling Doesn’t Go Away: When the swelling of your gums does not go down over few days, this could be a sign that the infection is still present in the area.
- Severe Pain: If the pain becomes severe, particularly when chewing or talking, it may be a sign that the infection has spread or another underlying issue exists.
- Signs of Infection: If you are experiencing signs of infection in your gums like pus, bleeding, or increased pain, you should go to the dentist on an urgent basis.
How Are Ear Infections Related to Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), situated close to the ear, is crucial for jaw movement. Otitis media, an ear infection can sometimes act as a contributor to TMJ disorders. These disorders can lead to jaw pain, headaches and tenderness in the area around the ear, all of which may resemble the signs and symptoms of an ear infection. When you have TMJ problems from an ear infection, you may notice the gums swell because of the joint’s location near the mouth.
How To Keep Ear Infections From Spreading To Your Gums?
Good ear and oral hygiene is the first step in preventing both ear infections and gum swelling. Some tips to ensure your ear infections do not affect your gums:
Stay on Top of Ear Infections: Ear infections can get worse and spread if left untreated.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use can help keep infections from spreading to your gums.
No Smoking: By not smoking, risks of infections in the ears and gums are rendered even lesser, therefore, not smoking helps in preventing further complications.
Drink water: To avoid the drying of your mucus membranes, which could lead to air infection in your ear and/or mouth as well.
Your go-to for gum swelling caused by ear infection — Bella Dental
At Bella Dental in Penrith, we know how alarming it can be to find your gums swelling from an ear infection. Our specialist team will assist you in determining the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide tailored advice on the most advantageous treatment strategies. You can count on us to make it right, whether ear infections, your gums, or whatever other scenarios exist in the realm of dental medicine. Don’t let an ear infection make you too uncomfortable to take care of your oral health. Make an appointment with us so you can start feeling like yourself again!
Read More: Can an Ear Infection Affect Your Gums? What to Expect From Bella Dental In Penrith
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are ear infections capable of making gums swell?
- Yes, gum swelling can occur due to ear infections, given the anatomical connection with the mouth, particularly if the Eustachian tube is mobilised.
2. How can I know if my swollen gum is due to an ear infection?
- Gum swelling along with ear pain or discomfort, especially if you have symptoms that inhibit you from chewing or talking, is most likely associated with ear infection.
3. Do we need to see a dentist for swollen gum due to an ear infection?
- You should see your Dentist Penrith to further evaluate the situation when the swelling doesn’t subside after treating the ear infection, or if the pain becomes more severe.
4. Can an ear infection cause jaw pain?
- As for the jaw pain, ears are right next to your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and an ear infection is also known to cause referred pain to the gums.
5. What can I take for the swelling of gum from an ear infection?
Treatments can vary depending on the cause of gum swelling due to ear infections and may include antibiotics (when the infection is bacterial) or analgesics (medication to relieve pain); the latter may be administered, when necessary, one of the best ways to prevent gum swelling is to maintain good oral hygiene. Note: Please seek proper treatment through a healthcare professional.
6. Is gum swelling a trigger for sinus infections too?
Yes, gum swelling from sinus infection is possible especially if the upper jaw is affected as the roots of the upper teeth are quite close proximity to the sinuses.
