Jaw pain or earache caused by a tooth infection occurs when inflammation or infection spreads beyond the tooth and irritates surrounding nerves, bone, or soft tissues.
This type of referred pain is a common sign that a dental problem is progressing and requires prompt assessment.
Yes — jaw pain or earache linked to a suspected tooth infection should be assessed promptly, as these symptoms often indicate that infection is spreading beyond the tooth into surrounding tissues or nerve pathways.
Assessment within a structured emergency dentistry framework helps determine the source, extent, and urgency of the infection and identify the safest next steps to prevent complications.
Immediate dental emergency (seek care today):
Same-day urgent dental problem:
Possibly non-urgent (still needs assessment):
Mild jaw discomfort without swelling or infection signs
If pain is worsening or spreading, delaying treatment increases the risk of infection spreading into deeper tissues.
Each cause can refer pain into the jaw or ear due to shared nerve pathways.
Short-term risks:
Medium-term risks:
Severe / worst-case outcomes:
Early treatment greatly reduces these risks and often allows simpler care.
Treatment focuses on identifying the source of infection, relieving pressure, and stopping the spread.
At Deepcar Dental, jaw pain and earache caused by dental infection are assessed by our clinical team led by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, GDC-registered Principal Dentist with advanced training in restorative and digital dentistry. Same-day assessment is available where clinically appropriate.
Dental nerves overlap with the ear and jaw, so tooth infections commonly refer pain to the ear.
No. Antibiotics do not remove the source of infection. Dental treatment is required.
Yes. Untreated infection can spread into deeper tissues. Early treatment prevents escalation.
Jaw pain or earache caused by a tooth infection rarely improves on its own.
Early assessment helps stop infection from spreading and provides faster, safer relief.