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What Causes Pain In Ear Radiating To Jaw And Tongue?

Posted on Fri, 8 May 2015

Question: Hi i am a 38 year old female I have recently had a strange pain seems like it goes from my ear by my jaw to the side of my tongue it seems to be an achy type pain at times pain extends to cheek area along with bottom row of teeth I have been to the dentist they have found nothing wrong with my teeth the pain is relieved with one aleve just concerned as to what could be causing the pain

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

After going through the history, I do feel, you could be having Temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

You would require a thorough examination by an apt maxillofacial surgeon. Also, you would require an Orthopantomogram of the joint to confirm the diagnosis.

Meanwhile, avoid chewing on the affected side. Eat soft food for a week. OTC pain relievers would be beneficial.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (18 minutes later)

Thanks for you timely reply so the weird tongue pain is connected to problems with my jaw my dentist felt that my jaw was ok could it be muscular once again thank you for your assistance

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sore tongue could be due to referred pain...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Dysfunction of the joint often causes spasms in the adjacent muscles that are attached to the bones of the skull, face, and jaws. The pain can be felt over the temple, the cheek, the lower jaw, and the teeth, know as referred pain.

The sore tongue could be either related to the TMJ dysfunction or due to a isolated cause, which can be confirmed after a thorough examination.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Thank you again can you give me an example of what an isolated cause may be

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Aphthous ulcers or mucositis over the tongue

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

I sincerely apologize for the delay in answering the queries.

The isolated lesions such as aphthous ulcers, mucositis and any dental work can cause sorenes of the tongue.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 days later)

Once again I would like to thank you for all of your help I just came back from an ENT appointment the doctor agreed with your assessment of TMJ she also feels that my tongue pain is from a strain can my question is is a tongue easily strained and how long does it take to heal considering it is a difficult muscle to rest

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I doubt tongue strain...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Tongue strain is relatively uncommon. As your doctor has already examined your oral cavity and found no pathology, I strongly feel, it could be a referred pain from the TMJ. OTC pain killers would be sufficient enough to relieve the pain.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E