Sore gum and ear

[lynbrown]

I have an ache in my lower gum but after Xrays the dentist says there is nothing wrong with my teeth. When it aches, on and off most days, I also have an ache in my ear canal. Any clues?

[Sqad]

Well......you need a doctor to check your ear and your mouth and neck.

Almost certainly, the earache has nothing to do with ear problems, but is referred pain from the neck or mouth.

Is there anything to see in your mouth, e.g ulcer etc?
Are you a smoker, any difficulty in swallowing or hoarseness?

Let your GP check your mouth and neck.

[Sqad]

Further thoughts:

I have just checked your posts and it would appear that you have had dental problems for a few months and last January had X-Rays which were also normal and even before that noticed that one of your lower teeth had changed colour.

It is not uncommon to have infections in a tooth with normal dental Rays.
(this fact i have gleaned from ab ABer who is a dentist jfml or something similar)

My money STILL goes on this being a dental problem, possibly in the discoloured tooth.

[woofgang]

Following on, this could be a result of tooth grinding/ jaw clenching which your dentist should have picked up on if it is. Often this happens at night so the sufferer is unaware that he/she is doing anything, I would suggest another chat with the dentist.

[lynbrown]

Thanks Sqad. Since I last posted, I have seen a private dentist and his hygenist, who said I had a lot of plaque build up that could be causing the gum ache. However after initally feeling an improvemnt, its started to get sore again. Will try the doc re my ear.