From the Research
Yes, bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The connection occurs because the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull, is located very close to the auditory system. When you grind or clench your teeth, especially during sleep, it creates tension in the jaw muscles and can put pressure on the TMJ. This tension can affect nearby structures including the auditory tube and middle ear muscles, potentially resulting in tinnitus symptoms.
Key Points to Consider
- Bruxism is a psychophysiological disorder that can take place during the day and/or night, in a form of clenching and grinding, and can cause health problems such as tooth sensitivities, headaches, facial myalgia, ear ache, and tightness/stiffness of the shoulders 1.
- The etiology of bruxism is multifactorial, and there is no exact treatment to prevent bruxism, but counseling and behavioral strategies, splint therapy, medications, and contingent electrical stimulation can be used as different ways to reduce the effects of bruxism 1.
- Treatment for bruxism-related tinnitus typically involves addressing the underlying teeth grinding through approaches such as wearing a custom-fitted night guard (occlusal splint) prescribed by a dentist, stress management techniques like meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy, and muscle relaxation exercises for the jaw 2.
- Some patients may benefit from physical therapy targeting the jaw and neck muscles, and in severe cases, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine or small doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) injections might be recommended by healthcare providers to reduce muscle tension 3.
Recommendations
- Addressing the underlying teeth grinding is crucial in managing bruxism-related tinnitus, and a combination of approaches such as wearing a custom-fitted night guard, stress management techniques, and muscle relaxation exercises can be effective 2, 3.
- Physical therapy targeting the jaw and neck muscles can also be beneficial in reducing muscle tension and improving symptoms 3.
- Healthcare providers should consider the potential link between bruxism and tinnitus when evaluating patients with tinnitus symptoms, and recommend appropriate treatment approaches to address the underlying teeth grinding and reduce muscle tension.