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What Causes Persistent Ear Infection After Using Upper Denture?
Question: I recently got an upper denture. I also have had a persistent ear infection since getting the denture. Antibiotics initially got rid of the infection, but there is consistent fluid in my ears. Can this be caused by my denture.
Brief Answer:
Improper functioning of Eustachian tube, Serous Otitis media
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to the in-equalization of pressure due to improper functioning of Eustachian tube (secondary to fitment of dentures) and Serous Otitis media .
There is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the nasopharynx & middle ear, which helps in maintaining the pressure equilibrium between nasopharynx and middle ear.
Any obstruction to this Eustachian tube function, secondary to inadequate jaw movements after denture implantation, leads to blockage/ discomfort/ infection/ fluid in ear by causing un-equalisation of pressure between the nasopharynx & middle ear.
In addition to a course of antibiotics, you need to use decongestant nasal drops, antihistamine preparations and perform jaw movements (e.g. use a chewing gum).
If it still persists, kindly consult an ENT Specialist & get a proper clinical examination done.
The dentures, if not fitted properly and hence interfering with chewing/ jaw movements, need to be reviewed.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Improper functioning of Eustachian tube, Serous Otitis media
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to the in-equalization of pressure due to improper functioning of Eustachian tube (secondary to fitment of dentures) and Serous Otitis media .
There is a connecting tract (known as Eustachian tube) between the nasopharynx & middle ear, which helps in maintaining the pressure equilibrium between nasopharynx and middle ear.
Any obstruction to this Eustachian tube function, secondary to inadequate jaw movements after denture implantation, leads to blockage/ discomfort/ infection/ fluid in ear by causing un-equalisation of pressure between the nasopharynx & middle ear.
In addition to a course of antibiotics, you need to use decongestant nasal drops, antihistamine preparations and perform jaw movements (e.g. use a chewing gum).
If it still persists, kindly consult an ENT Specialist & get a proper clinical examination done.
The dentures, if not fitted properly and hence interfering with chewing/ jaw movements, need to be reviewed.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Dr. Sannigrahi,
Thank you for your answer. I spoke with my dentist and she indicated that it's not possible for the denture to cause fluid in the ears. However, I know that while wearing the denture, I get fluid build up in my ears. The left is most prominent. Can you explain in more detail how this could happen. When I don't wear the denture, and use allergy medications, the fluid dissipates. When I put the denture in, it seems to start building up again.
Thank you,
XXXX
Thank you for your answer. I spoke with my dentist and she indicated that it's not possible for the denture to cause fluid in the ears. However, I know that while wearing the denture, I get fluid build up in my ears. The left is most prominent. Can you explain in more detail how this could happen. When I don't wear the denture, and use allergy medications, the fluid dissipates. When I put the denture in, it seems to start building up again.
Thank you,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Your Dentist is correct
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your follow up query.
A. Your Dentist is correct in saying that the fluid in ear is not directly caused due to wearing of denture. However, building up of fluid in ear while wearing denture can only be due to it's indirect effect, if the dentures are affecting your jaw movements and interfering with the pressure equalization in middle ear via the Eustachian tube, as explained in my previous answer.
OR
B. There is a hidden focus of infection in the middle ear, which is causing recurrence of fluid formation. Even though you are getting temporary relief with antibiotics and allergy medications, the causative agent is still persisting. Under such circumstances, the relationship between wearing of dentures & building up of fluid can be considered only as a coincidence.
A complete clinical examination of the ear needs to be carried out to detect the hidden infection & a course of antibiotics need to be taken based on the culture & sensitivity reports of the causative organism.
Kindly consult an ENT Specialist for the same.
There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Your Dentist is correct
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your follow up query.
A. Your Dentist is correct in saying that the fluid in ear is not directly caused due to wearing of denture. However, building up of fluid in ear while wearing denture can only be due to it's indirect effect, if the dentures are affecting your jaw movements and interfering with the pressure equalization in middle ear via the Eustachian tube, as explained in my previous answer.
OR
B. There is a hidden focus of infection in the middle ear, which is causing recurrence of fluid formation. Even though you are getting temporary relief with antibiotics and allergy medications, the causative agent is still persisting. Under such circumstances, the relationship between wearing of dentures & building up of fluid can be considered only as a coincidence.
A complete clinical examination of the ear needs to be carried out to detect the hidden infection & a course of antibiotics need to be taken based on the culture & sensitivity reports of the causative organism.
Kindly consult an ENT Specialist for the same.
There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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