Can stopping Clenching and Bruxism stop or lower Tinnitus?
Treating bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching) can significantly reduce or stop tinnitus if the ringing is caused by Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ or TMD) stress. Because the jaw joint is located near the ear, chronic grinding strains these muscles, causing "somatic tinnitus." Treating this with feedback night guards, physiotherapy, or dental work can relieve symptoms.
Key Connections and Treatments:
How They Are Linked: The jaw joint (TMJ) is located very close to the inner ear, and inflammation or tension from grinding/clenching can directly trigger or worsen the perception of sound in the ear.
Effective Solutions:
Custom Night Guards/Splints: These protect teeth and help relax jaw muscles, providing a protective barrier.
Physical Therapy: Jaw exercises, stretches, and massages can reduce tension and inflammation.
Stress Management: Since anxiety often triggers bruxism, therapies like counseling can help.
Dental Work: Correcting bite issues, replacing missing teeth, or removing wisdom teeth can eliminate the source of the pressure.
Limitations: If tinnitus is caused by noise exposure, age-related hearing loss, or other medical conditions, fixing bruxism will may lower it but not eliminate it.
Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching) causes tinnitus by
placing excessive stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. Because the TMJ is located directly in front of the ear, this constant pressure and inflammation can affect auditory structures, causing phantom sounds like ringing, buzzing, or clicking.
Key reasons for the connection include:
TMJ Dysfunction: Inflammation from overworked jaw muscles can spread to the ear area, causing inflammation of the middle ear and Eustachian tube, leading to a sensation of fullness and tinnitus.
Muscle Tension: Chronic tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles can overstimulate nerves, altering how the brain interprets sound signals.
Structural Proximity: The jaw and ear structures are closely connected by muscles and nerves; tension on the temporomandibular joint can directly affect the nerves in the ear.
Tensor Tympani Hyperactivity: Intense jaw muscle contraction can make small muscles in the middle ear (tensor tympani and stapedius) hyperactive, generating internal noises.
Often, if the ringing changes in pitch or volume when moving the jaw, it is a strong indicator that the tinnitus is linked to the temporomandibular joint.
If you suspect your tinnitus is caused by jaw pain or grinding, consult a dentist to explore treatment options.
Mild grinding is fairly common but when it begins to wear tooth enamel, cause jaw soreness or fracture the teeth, it requires the attention of your dentist. Plus, just the grinding noise alone can cause you and your partner to experience a restless night of sleep.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms could increase your risk of bruxism:
Stress – Anger, anxiety and frustration can all contribute
Age – More common in young children but can continue into adulthood
Personality – Aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive people are candidates for bruxism
Medications and Drugs – Certain antidepressants, tobacco, caffeine or recreational drugs are causes of bruxism
Family – Bruxism tends to occur in families
Other Disorders – Mental health and medical disorders like Parkinson’s disease, dementia, night terrors, sleep apnea and ADHD can all contribute
Snoring is not the only “night noise” that your partner may be complaining about. If you grind, gnash or clench your teeth while sleeping, you may have a condition known as bruxism – and if not treated could cause tooth damage, headaches and even serious jaw disorders.