clicking tinnitus - HOW CAN MY DENTIST POSSIBLY CURE MY TINNITUS?

HOW CAN MY DENTIST POSSIBLY CURE MY TINNITUS?

It is claimed that almost a third of people diagnosed with temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) suffer with some form of tinnitus. Similarly almost half of tinnitus sufferers examined are reported to have some sort of TMD. The Temporo-mandibular joints (TMJ's) [Jaw joints to us] are probably the most complex joints in the human body, are the joints of the temporal bone (skull) and the mandible (lower jaw bone) and are situated just in front of each ear. The TMJ is not a regular ball and socket joint like, for example, the knee or hip joint but is more a sliding joint that moves every time we eat, speak, chew or swallow. Between the two bones is a cartilage, similar to the discs of cartilage in our spine, which in fact acts somewhat like a third bone. This versatility allows us to move our jaw forwards and backwards, up and down and even side to side. Consequently the TMJ is surrounded by a complex array of muscles, some of which are regarded as the strongest muscles in the body. There is also a series of ligaments holding the joint together. Any of these components can be damaged, like any other joint, and just like any other area of the body this damage can affect the adjacent areas eg the ear. Any damage which may have been caused short term eg accident, muscle strain or ligament damage or long term by persistent teeth grinding or misalignment of the joint because of dental or other problems, can cause various conditions including tinnitus. People with TMD often have a jaw joint that is badly aligned, possibly by dental problems, and the jaw can push backwards towards the ears, which compresses the sensitive tissue at the back of the joint. The body then tries to correct this problem by pulling the jaw forward which needs continuous muscle power. Since muscles were not designed to hold bones in one place for a prolonged period the overworked muscle goes into spasm, gets inflamed and begins to shorten and harden. Other muscles in the area are also affected by this action. When the TMJ muscles tighten, the adjoining muscles, including those in and around the middle ear, will also tighten. This in turn can cause tinnitus. Some quick checks if you want to know if your tinnitus may be in some way connected to TMD are: Clench your teeth. Does it change the tinnitus? Push hard on your jaw with your palm. Does your tinnitus change in volume or pitch? Push in on your forehead with your hand quite hard and resist with your head. Do you notice any changes?

If you do notice changes, it MAY be that you have a TMJ problem. Give your doctor or dentist a visit and discuss it before you go any further. Given that TMD can cause or exaggerate tinnitus, what treatment is available and how effective is it? First port of call if you suspect you have TMD is your dentist. He or she should be able to decide if dental treatment is a viable option to correct any misalignment of the jaw. Orthopedic appliances are available that prevent night teeth grinding etc and help the muscles repair themselves. Alternative treatment commonly employs procedures which help stimulate the muscles and joints to function normally. The success rate claimed by some treatment centers is very impressive, with claims of between 46% and 96% of patients with TMD tinnitus either reporting a reduction or complete loss of their tinnitus after treatment. Of course I have no verification of these claims but if they are true it gives hope to lots of people out there with TMD related tinnitus

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