Why Go to My Dentist for Tinnitus?
Ringing, buzzing, or roaring in your ear? Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, and sometimes that condition has to do with your oral health. While it may not be your first instinct to see a dentist because you have symptoms related to your ears, keep in mind that oral and overall health are closely connected. Continue reading to learn how we can help.
What is Tinnitus?
The perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring, without an external source to explain it is known as tinnitus and can have various causes, including noise-induced hearing loss, ear infection, or aging. But sometimes it can stem from the jaw. That is when you need to see a dentist about your tinnitus.
Why See Your Dentist for Tinnitus
Sometimes tinnitus is caused by oral health issues that we can treat, including:
- TMJ Disorders – An inflamed or damaged jaw joint can lead to tinnitus because this joint is close to the ear. We can help diagnose and treat TMJ-related tinnitus by addressing the underlying joint issue with an oral appliance.
- Bruxism – Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep can also cause tinnitus. Bruxism is treated by wearing a bite guard at night and stress management.
- Infection – An abscess or tooth infection after an extraction may cause inflammation that can trigger or worsen tinnitus. We may need to drain the abscess and then provide a course of antibiotics to clear up the infection.
- Misalignment – A misaligned bite or, in some cases, recent dental work such as a crown or filling can impact the jaw’s resting position. This can cause strain and inner ear tension, leading to tinnitus. In this case, we will determine the best course of treatment to alleviate the misalignment and the tinnitus.
How Do I Know I Need a Dentist for My Tinnitus
If you are suffering from tinnitus accompanied by any of the following symptoms, then you should see your dentist.
- Jaw Dysfunction – If you hear a clicking, snapping, or popping sound when you open and close your mouth, or you have limited jaw movement
- Jaw Pain – If you feel pain in the jaw joint
- Stress – If your tinnitus worsens during periods of high stress, you may be clenching or grinding your teeth
- Wear – If you notice signs of wear on your teeth or feel sudden tooth sensitivity, or if cracks appear
- Recent Dental Work – If you have had recent dental work, such as a crown or filling
If you have any doubts about whether you should see a dentist for your tinnitus, call us, and we can schedule an appointment for you at our office located in Seattle, WA, as soon as possible.
