The most common reason your ear hurts when you open your mouth is related to problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
TMJ Dysfunction (TMD): The TMJ is located very close to the ear. When the TMJ is inflamed or not functioning correctly (a condition called TMD or TMJ dysfunction), the pain can radiate to the ear.
-
Overuse and Muscle Strain: Activities like teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching your jaw, chewing gum excessively, or repetitive jaw movements can strain the muscles around the TMJ.
- This overuse can lead to muscle spasms and inflammation.
- The pain from these spasms and inflammation can be felt in the ear, as the muscles are interconnected.
-
Inflammation and Swelling: Inflammation around the TMJ can put pressure on the surrounding tissues, including those near the ear, leading to pain.
-
Referred Pain: The pain you feel in your ear might not actually originate there. It can be "referred pain" from the TMJ or the surrounding muscles.
In summary, the pain in your ear when you open your mouth is most likely due to problems with your TMJ, often caused by overuse, muscle strain, or inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissues.
It's recommended to consult with a doctor or dentist to properly diagnose the cause of your ear pain and receive appropriate treatment, which may include:
- Pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy
- Mouthguards (for teeth grinding)
