You may wonder why a dentist is talking about Tinnitus. You’re right, tinnitus is a persistent ringing in the ears that can go from bothersome to outright debilitating. However, tinnitus is not a condition on its own, it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. One of these underlying issues is known as TMJ. TMJ is often triggered by stress and is treated by a dentist as the pain originates from the jaw.
TemporoMandibuilar Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction may be a bit of a mouthful to say, however it simply means a misalignment of the jaw. If you are stressed and clench or grind your teeth as a habit, the tense muscles in your jaw can pull your jaw out of alignment. Common symptoms of TMJ include a clicking or popping jaw, jaw pain, headache, neck or ear pain and, you guessed it, tinnitus.
TMJ Dysfunction of some form affects over 70% of the population, with around 10% having severe enough TMJ symptoms, such as tinnitus, requiring specific treatment.
Treatment for TMJ to relieve Tinnitus
- Muscle relaxants – medication allowing the muscles in the jaw to relax quickly and allow natural jaw realignment.
- Jaw exercises – to reverse the habitual clenching behaviour and muscle stress.
- Bite guard – a dental orthotic device to prevent teeth clenching, again allowing jaw muscles to relax.
- Neuromuscular dentistry – includes techniques to isolate bones, joints and nerves in the face, jaw and neck that are stressed and take steps to reduce tension.
- Surgery – a last resort. Keyhole surgery can be performed to realign the TMJ.
It must be said TMJ is not the major cause of tinnitus. Tinnitus is however a difficult symptom to solve and often the root cause cannot be found. TMJ and the stress that causes it is sometimes overlooked. So, if you have been seeking a solution to your tinnitus and not explored TMJ treatment yet, consult a dentist.
At Dr Finkelstein Dentist are proud of our results in treating TMJ patients with tinnitus in Sydney. If you suffer from tinnitus or jaw, neck or ear pain book a consultation with Dr Finkelstein to get you on the road to recovery or at least rule out TMJ as your tinnitus issue.
