Posted: September 29, 2024
Ever experienced persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ears? If so, you know how disruptive it can be. It’s a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. What many people don’t realize is that this tinnitus can sometimes be linked to issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. If you’re experiencing both jaw pain and tinnitus, there’s a good chance that these issues are related—and dental problems might be the underlying cause.
The Connection Between TMJ Disorders and Tinnitus
The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of your ears, and it plays a crucial role in the movement of your jaw. The close proximity of the TMJ to the ear canal means that any dysfunction in the joint can create pressure on the ear or surrounding nerves. This can lead to tinnitus, earaches, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or even hearing loss in some cases. For people with TMJ disorders, the pain and discomfort in the jaw often go hand-in-hand with the frustrating sounds of tinnitus.
How Dental Problems Contribute
Dental health plays a significant role in the function of the TMJ. Misaligned teeth, bite alignment, and teeth grinding (bruxism) can all contribute to TMJ disorders. When your teeth don’t align properly, it forces your jaw to work harder, which strains the muscles and joints in your face. Over time, this extra strain can lead to TMJ dysfunction and its associated symptoms, including tinnitus.
Teeth grinding, in particular, is a common culprit. Many people grind their teeth at night without even realizing it, which puts constant pressure on the TMJ. This grinding can lead to inflammation in the joint, increasing the risk of both jaw pain and tinnitus. Similarly, if you have missing teeth or an unbalanced bite, the uneven distribution of force can irritate the TMJ, triggering the same painful cycle.
Key Signs of TMJ-Related Tinnitus
If you’re unsure whether your tinnitus might be related to TMJ issues, here are some key signs to watch for:
- Clicking or Popping Sounds: If you hear clicking or popping when you move your jaw, this can indicate TMJ dysfunction. These sounds can also be accompanied by ringing in the ears.
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Pain in the jaw, particularly near the ears, is a common symptom of TMJ disorders. If your jaw feels sore or tight and you’re also experiencing tinnitus, the two may be connected.
- Ear Pain or Fullness: TMJ disorders can create a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, often leading to tinnitus. Some people with TMJ also experience earaches without any signs of infection.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re suffering from both tinnitus and TMJ pain, don’t overlook the connection between the two. Addressing your dental health and TMJ function could provide the relief you’ve been searching for. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office via our contact form or by calling 403-407-5730.
*all procedures performed at our practice by a general dentist
