Can a toothache cause facial pain?

Question

I have a tooth ache and it seems to radiate out to that side of my face and ear. I know with toothaches before this has happened. I have noticed with ear infections I will get facial pain. I am wondering whether it is the tooth that is causing the ear pain or ear infection causing the toothache and facial pain. I know pain does radiate out. I also heard of a condition called TMJ could that be what this is? I have done some research on the internet yet I am not sure. Should I go the DR or try to find a dentist?

Answer 1

Yes  to all of the above questions you've asked.

Answer 2

Yes a tooth ache can cause a lot of facial and ear pain. I've also had infected teeth cause me to get ear infections/ear pains. I would suggest to go to both a doctor and a dentist if you think you might have infection in a tooth. Because if you have a tooth infection it could of traveled farther then your tooth by now.

Answer 3

I would go to the dentist.  Nerve pain from a toothache is more than likely the culprit.  If you have other symptoms that would match up to an ear infection...you could pursue that as well.  But, it doesn't sound like that's the case.  I have TMJ...and my symptoms are spasms and intense pain on the side of my face(jawbone).  It is caused by grinding and gnashing your teeth.  My teeth ache on that side when I have TMJ problems too.  My doctor treats it with flexiril.  It's a muscle relaxer.  Feel better.  

Answer 4

Yeah!  I've x-rayed people in the ER with cysts and immensely swollen faces from tooth aches.  That's nothing to take lightly.

EDIT:

lol at Kayla...  Yeah, what's wrong with doctors today.  I've had a staph infection (folliculitis) for almost 10 years.  I've tried EVERYTHING.  I've even been biopsied, but all the doctors can say is that I'm "stressed".  Well, I've been on a two year vacation, no progress made.