Yes, pericoronitis can cause ear pain, a symptom that often confuses individuals because the problem originates in the mouth. This connection is known as referred pain, where the brain interprets pain signals from an inflamed area as coming from a different, yet connected, part of the body. Pericoronitis is a frequent dental issue involving the wisdom teeth. Understanding how this infection leads to discomfort near the ear is important for effective treatment.
What Pericoronitis Is and Where It Occurs
Pericoronitis is the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue surrounding a tooth that has only partially emerged. This condition most frequently affects the lower third molars, or wisdom teeth, which are the last to erupt, typically in the late teens or early twenties. The partial emergence leaves a flap of gum tissue, called an operculum, draped over the chewing surface.
This gum flap creates a protected space where food particles, plaque, and bacteria become trapped. Since the area is difficult to clean effectively, bacteria multiply, leading to inflammation, swelling, and localized pain. Acute symptoms include tenderness and redness in the gum, a bad taste or odor from the trapped debris, and sometimes the discharge of pus from under the operculum.
The Mechanism of Referred Pain to the Ear
The sensation of pain felt in the ear, far from the infection site, is a classic example of referred pain. This occurs because the ear and the lower jaw share a common sensory pathway through the nervous system. The anatomical connection is established by the trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V), which is the largest sensory nerve of the head and face.
The trigeminal nerve has three major branches, including the mandibular division (V3), which innervates the lower jaw and surrounding tissues. A specific branch of V3, the auriculotemporal nerve, provides sensation to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the outer ear, and the surrounding skin. When the gum tissue becomes severely inflamed due to pericoronitis, the pain signals travel along the mandibular nerve branch.
The brain receives these intense signals and, due to the closely linked pathways of the auriculotemporal nerve, misinterprets the pain’s origin. Instead of localizing the discomfort to the infected gum, the brain perceives the sensation as originating from the ear area. This referred pain means that the ear itself is healthy, but the discomfort can be significant and feel identical to a true earache.
Treatment and Professional Care for Pericoronitis
Managing the pain and infection requires both immediate home measures and professional dental intervention. Initial relief can be found by gently rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day to flush out debris and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage the discomfort and swelling while waiting for a dental appointment.
Patients should seek professional care if the pain persists, swelling worsens, or if systemic signs of infection develop. A dentist will thoroughly clean and irrigate the area under the gum flap to remove trapped bacteria and debris. If the infection is severe or spreading, a course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed to control the bacterial load and prevent complications.
The definitive treatment for recurrent or severe pericoronitis involves addressing the operculum and the tooth itself. A minor surgical procedure called an operculectomy may be performed to remove the excess gum tissue, eliminating the pocket where bacteria thrive. If the wisdom tooth is impacted, misaligned, or the condition is chronic, the most effective long-term solution is typically surgical removal of the tooth to prevent future episodes.
Watch for signs that the infection is spreading beyond the immediate area, which requires immediate medical attention. These signs include fever, significant facial swelling, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), or pain upon swallowing. If these symptoms are present, the infection may be progressing toward the throat or surrounding tissues and requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.