Are your Sinus Problems Caused by TMJ Disorder?

Reviewed by  Monroe Elkin, BS PHARM., DMD

Is It TMJ or A Sinus Headache? Are Sinus Problems Part of Tmj?

Millions of people around the world suffer from sinus issues, but the cause isn't always clear. Many symptoms of sinus issues overlap with those of TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, more commonly known as TMJ).

One of the most frequently shared symptoms is bruxism. Bruxism is defined as teeth grinding or clenching, and this, combined with TMJ and/or sinus issues, can cause a number of additional unpleasant symptoms. Wearing a TMJ mouthguard from CustMbite to address the bruxism that can be caused by both conditions is a simple, high-quality, customizable, affordable solution to your TMJ bruxism.

Research shows that the majority of TMJ and sinus patients find measurable relief from potentially harmful symptoms like bruxism by using noninvasive methods like TMJ mouthguards, but it's important to buy the right one. To learn more about the connection between TMJ, sinus problems, bruxism, and how our inexpensive, dental-quality mouthguard can help all three, read on.

How Can I Tell If My Bruxism Is Related to TMJ or Sinus Problems?

Whether your bruxism is caused by TMJ, sinus pain, or something else, you'll need to address the root of the problem — not just the symptom. For example, symptoms like headaches, face and neck pain, tooth sensitivity, earaches, and restless sleep are common in both. A mouthguard is a smart way to alleviate these and other bruxism symptoms in order to head off more serious issues in the future.

Sinus pain itself may also be a symptom of TMJ. Because of the position of the sinuses, it can be tricky to tell whether your bruxism is caused by sinusitis or TMJ. However, there are a few questions that you can ask yourself to figure out whether your bruxism is caused by sinusitis or if it's TMJ-related:

• Are you noticing new or prolonged neck and shoulder pain?
• Do you have facial congestion or a feeling of fullness around your ears, eyes, and forehead?
• Have you noticed thick or discolored nasal discharge?
• Have you experienced changes in your ability to taste or smell?
• Do you become dizzy if you stand up or lie down?
• When you open your jaw to speak, chew, or yawn, does it lock open or closed?
• Do you hear clicking and popping when you use your jaw?
• Are you clenching or grinding your teeth at night?

TMJ can increase your risk of bruxism. If your sinus issues are related to TMJ, a dental healthcare professional can recommend a course of treatment that's right for you. When you talk to a dentist or doctor about your symptoms, be sure to mention anything unusual, even if it seems unrelated. Because there are conditions in addition to sinus issues that can cause bruxism, you may want to see your primary care provider as well in order to rule out more serious conditions.

When it comes to the remedy for your bruxism, be sure to treat the whole issue, particularly if your bruxism is related to TMJ. For those with temporary or chronic sinus issues and TMJ, wearing a mouthguard is often recommended to help curb any sinus-related or TMJ bruxism. Mouthguards are an effective, affordable solution that can help you avoid more serious issues down the road.

While surgery is often the first solution one thinks of when considering ways to combat TMJ or chronic sinus issues, that's not the best solution. Before recommending surgery, most dentists and doctors will suggest a variety of noninvasive methods, including TMJ exercises, relaxation techniques, and TMJ mouthguards. TMJ mouthguards are especially effective for relieving bruxism.

What's the Link Between TMJ, Sinus Issues, and Bruxism?

The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of your ear, and it's one of the most complex joints in your body. Its ligaments, bones, discs, and muscles intertwine to allow you to glide and open and close your mouth. Your face is also home to several sinus cavities behind the forehead, between the eyes, deep within the skull, and within the maxilla, which forms the cheek and upper jaw.

Because the sinuses are virtually incorporated into the jaw, It can be hard to distinguish between symptoms like bruxism caused by TMJ or a sinus infection and vice versa. TMJ, sinus issues, and bruxism seem almost inseparably tied together, so a mouthguard can be an effective way to ease the symptoms of all three.

Now, bruxism can be caused by many things, including the misaligned jaw that's related to TMJ. And TMJ can also increase the intensity of sinus infections, which are themselves accompanied by many symptoms of TMJ such as neck and shoulder pain. That's why it's important to consult with a dentist or doctor before picking up a high-quality yet affordable mouthguard for TMJ.

Do The Symptoms of TMJ Include Sinus Problems?

While TMJ won't cause sinus problems, the symptoms of existing sinus problems can be made worse by TMJ and bruxism. You see, when you experience a sinus infection, mucus blocks your eustachian tube. This prevents the equalization of pressure in the ear that helps to maintain balance in your body. Bruxism can exacerbate this problem with its minute changes in pressure, causing even more balance problems.

Those already suffering from chronic sinus issues like sinusitis can cause breathing problems because of congestion, leading you to breathe with your mouth open. This pulls the jaw out of its natural resting position, which can stress the jaw and contribute to bruxism, or teeth grinding.

This type of congestion along with bruxism can trigger snoring and restless sleep, affecting your immune system and further inhibiting your body's ability to heal itself. However, you can avoid this by adding a nightguard for TMJ and sinus issues into your routine.

How Can a TMJ Mouthguard Help Relieve Sinus Pain?

The roots of TMJ are frequently related to a misalignment of the jawbone. The temporomandibular joint is the only joint in the body that has something preventing it from closing entirely: your teeth. When it's doing its job properly, your bite should feel natural. However, if your jaw is misaligned, your bite will be too.

What's worse is that if your jaw is out of line, your teeth will unconsciously try to pull it back into place, causing bruxism. Teeth clenching and grinding is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ and can cause enamel wear, jaw soreness and fatigue, and even cracked and broken teeth. And when you factor in the pain caused by both a sinus infection and bruxism, you're probably looking for a solution — now.

At CustMbite, our goal is to make the best mouthguard for TMJ available to everyone. We provide dentist's office-quality TMJ mouthguards at a fraction of the price. Working together with dental professionals, we created a unique fitting material called VistaMaxx. VistaMaxx is thin and flexible, yet extremely durable. A CustMbite TMJ mouthguard can be molded in just a couple minutes' time using only a microwave and remolded just as easily. It provides unmatched comfort and allows you to speak, drink, and breathe with ease - something especially important for those who also suffer from sinus problems like bruxism.

Which CustMbite Nightguard for TMJ is Right for Me?

We offer two different nightguards for those suffering from TMJ and sinus problems:

1. The CustMbite Nightguard: Our original nightguard. It's completely customizable and extremely comfortable. VistaMaxx's superior moldability contributes to its comfort, with a snug fit and thin profile. It's easy to speak, drink, and breathe easily without removing it.
2. The Hard Surface Nightguard: Just as comfortable as the OG model, this TMJ nightguard offers extra protection that stands up to even the most intense grinding and clenching. The Hard Surface Nightguard is also made of VistaMaxx, ensuring a precision fit for maximum comfort.

And to clean it? Just toss it in the dishwasher and you're done. Better yet, pick up a bottle of CustMbite's All Natural Oral Appliance Cleaner. It's a safe, natural formula that includes all-natural ingredients: tea tree oil, menthol oil, and distilled H2O. Our cleaner disinfects 99% of bacteria after the first 2 hours. You can't beat that!

The Most Comfortable Mouthguards for TMJ and Bruxism

Sinus problems and bruxism are two of the most disruptive symptoms you can have with TMJ, and it's critical to be proactive about your course of action. A proper diagnosis from a dentist or doctor can help you to make decisions as to which treatments are right for you.

It's a fact: wearing a TMJ mouthguard for bruxism is highly recommended by dentists because of its efficacy and ease of use. If you're looking for a high-quality option, choose CustMbite. At CustMbite, we give you the best of all worlds, from comfort and quality to affordability and durability. To experience the comfort of your own custom-fit guard, buy a CustMbite TMJ mouthguard of your own.