Tinnitus is a maddening experience. A sustained ringing, humming or buzzing in the ears marks this condition. The noises heard do not actually come from some external source, but instead seem to originate in your own head.
Past research has shown a link between ear symptoms and TMJ/TMD, a set of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint connecting your lower jawbone to your skull. When the TMJ comes under excessive pressure or is otherwise injured, painful symptoms can result.
Stress placed on the TMJ and the surrounding muscles can result in tinnitus. Along with the experience of these noises, you may also experience:
- Headaches
- Tooth pain
- Head, neck and shoulder pain
- Jaw joint noises
- Locked jaw or deviating jaw on either opening or closing
These TMD symptoms can be relieved using dental approaches. Your teeth, jaws, ears and sinuses are all connected, and a bad bite can significantly affect your TMJ. Depending on your unique situation, a dental splint allowing the correct alignment of your teeth and jaws may make your tinnitus disappear. Once the correct bite is found that is symptom free, then a more permanent realignment can follow with dental restorations.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of TMJ/TMD in Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding areas, please contact the experienced neuromuscular dentists Dr. Scott LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro to schedule a consultation.