Can a bad tooth cause lump behind ear?

While a bad tooth can cause pain and discomfort, it is uncommon for it to directly cause a lump behind the ear. A lump behind the ear can have various causes, including:

1. Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that help fight infection. When there's an infection or inflammation in the head or neck area, including a bad tooth, the lymph nodes can swell up. This can result in a noticeable lump behind the ear.

2. Mastoiditis: Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It usually occurs as a complication of an untreated middle ear infection. Symptoms of mastoiditis include pain behind the ear, swelling, redness, and fever.

3. Abscess: An abscess is a collection of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It can occur anywhere in the body, including behind the ear. Abscesses can cause swelling, pain, and tenderness.

4. Tumor: In rare cases, a lump behind the ear could be a sign of a tumor, either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

If you have a lump behind your ear, it's essential to see a doctor or dentist for proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can determine the cause of the lump and recommend appropriate treatment. In most cases, a bad tooth causing the lump would require dental treatment, while other conditions may require antibiotics, pain relievers, or further investigation.