TMJ and Tinnitus
Buy NightguardYour Custom Nightguard
Fit your CustMbite nightguard in a few simple steps!
smile and comfort in mind
One of the most common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD or TMJ) is hearing changes. You might experience tinnitus (or ringing in the ears), hearing loss, ear pain, and muffled hearing. Treating your TMJ can help to relieve ear-related discomfort and restore hearing loss. Studies show that most patients benefit from a combination of noninvasive methods, and many dentists will recommend adding a TMJ mouthguard to your routine to support your jaw. CustMbite offers the best TMJ mouthguard for patients with tinnitus available today. To learn why, let’s first discuss tinnitus and its link with TMJ.
UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TMJ AND TINNITUS
There are two main types of tinnitus. The first and most common type is caused by sensorineural hearing loss. This means that the phantom sounds are caused by damage to the neurons and sensory cells responsible for hearing. This kind of tinnitus is harder to cure, and most of its appropriate therapies focus on symptom management. The second type of tinnitus is caused by underlying factors, like injuries, diseases, or even damage caused by certain medications. By treating the underlying cognition, many people with this type of tinnitus can reduce or even resolve their tinnitus symptoms.
Fortunately, tinnitus that’s associated with TMJ is part of the second type. Temporomandibular joint disorder involves any inflammation or injury that prevents the joint from moving smoothly. This joint is one of the most complex joints in your body, and its range of motion requires an intricate system of muscles, bones, discs, and ligaments to work in harmony.
The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of your ears, where the temporal bone of the skull connects to the mandible, or jaw bone. Along with its close physical proximity to your ear, it also shares some of the middle ear’s nerves and muscles. Because of the overlap between these areas, an inflammation or misaligned bone within the joint can lead to symptoms that affect your hearing.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TMJ AND TINNITUS
It’s important to consider that tinnitus can be a symptom of TMJ. That means you should talk to a doctor or dentist about all of your symptoms. Some of the signs that your tinnitus may not be an independent problem are:
- Pain in your jaw and face
- Clicking or popping when you open and close your mouth
- Trouble chewing or fully opening the mouth
- A previous injury to your jaw
- Arthritis
If you experience any of these symptoms, your tinnitus may have its roots in TMJ. A dental professional can provide you with additional guidance and help you choose an appropriate course of treatment.
- Clicking and/or popping when you open or close your mouth
- Restricted range of motion when opening the mouth
- Decreasing the effects of TMJ-related tinnitus with a TMJ mouthguard
When you take steps to address your TMJ, this, in turn, can help to relieve ear-related symptoms like hearing loss and tinnitus. When you meet with a dental professional to discuss your TMJ, it’s important to discuss all of your symptoms so they can help you choose a method that’s right for your particular situation.
There are many ways to treat TMJD, from TMJ surgery to regular practice of relaxation techniques, and your dentist may recommend any combination of therapies. One popular and effective way to support your TMJ recovery is by wearing a TMJ mouthguard. This is especially true if your TMJ is caused by or has caused bruxism.
If your dentist recommends a mouthguard for TMJ, you may want to seek out an alternative to their pricey and inconvenient molds. However, it’s important to choose the right OTC mouthguard for TMJ. Make sure that the mouthguard you choose is:
- Simple to use: Is it easy to mold your new TMJ mouthguard?
- Easy to care for: Is it dishwasher safe or does it require soaking?
- Comfortable: Can you breathe, talk, and drink comfortably?
CustMbite consulted with dental professionals to develop a mouthguard for TMJ that goes above and beyond in these and many other ways. Our patented fitting material, called VistaMaxx, offers superior comfort and unmatched durability. CustMbite mouth guards for TMJ are:
- FDA-cleared and latex-, PVC-, phthalate-, and BP-free.
- Nonporous and resistant to bacteria. All you need for a crystal-clean guard is a toothbrush and cold water or a dishwasher.
- Easy to mold. To get a custom-fit guard, all you need are two minutes and a microwave.
- Comfortable to wear. Thin, flexible VistaMaxx provides better shock absorption than bulky guards.
CUSTMBITE: THE BEST MOUTHGUARDS FOR TMJ-RELATED TINNITUS
Although TMJD symptoms like tinnitus are uncomfortable, many people find that they’re able to decrease or even completely eliminate the effects of their TMJ symptoms using noninvasive methods. Mouthguards for TMJ are an effective method for relieving the pain caused by symptoms of TMJ, especially when used correctly and consistently. At CustMbite, we make the best TMJ mouthguards available for everyone. When you’re ready for a truly comfortable, custom-fit guard, get your CustMbite TMJ mouthguard here.