Ringing in the ears is a symptom that can be very frustrating. Furthermore, if the underlying issue is not treated, tinnitus might result in hearing loss.
Tinnitus, sometimes known as ringing in the ears, can be brought on by various factors. In most cases, it is caused by a buildup of wax or an ear injury.
However, some wonder if ear pain can also come from dental problems such as a tooth infection.
So, can a tooth infection cause tinnitus? Read on to find out if there may be a connection between a problem with your teeth and your ears.
Can A Tooth Infection Cause Tinnitus?
Yes, a tooth infection may cause tinnitus. Dental problems and tinnitus are well connected.
There are a few possible explanations that could link a tooth infection to tinnitus. Many people with tinnitus may hear a clicking sound, which almost always indicates a joint issue in or close to your ear.
A complex network of tubes, canals, and passageways connects the ear, nose, and throat. That is one of the reasons why it is often necessary to examine the other two areas to diagnose a problem in any of those three areas.
Pain in the teeth can be a symptom of an ear infection in some cases. In some cases, earaches might be caused by teeth or jaw issues.
Wisdom teeth are often cited as one of the dental conditions that might lead to tinnitus. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or infected, you may experience ringing in your ears.
That is a common symptom of wisdom tooth pain. In addition to this, ringing in the ears can be caused by abscesses that form on teeth.
It has been suggested that tinnitus can be caused by tooth abscesses or wisdom teeth that have been impacted. In such circumstances, more dental work might be able to cure the issue. Sometimes the ringing in the ears will gradually go away as time passes.
TMJ and Tinnitus
The current dysfunction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) may worsen, which is one way this can occur. An infection might bring on inflammation of the TM joint in the tooth itself or by wisdom teeth that have been impacted.
The joint that connects the jaw to the skull is called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), which may be found at the rear of both sides of the jaw. Injury, clenching or grinding one’s teeth, arthritis, or genetics can all contribute to episodes in which it manifests.
Diagnosing TMJ
TMJ can be readily treated, which is good news. But first, you need to determine whether or not you really have it.
Your dentist should be able to assist you with that. Dentists who focus on treating TMJ dysfunction can help patients who suffer from this problem.
They start by fitting the patient with a mouth guard that brings the lower jaw into proper alignment with the skull. When necessary, more innovative therapies that do not involve any kind of muscular invasion can relax the muscle tissues.
Following dental surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth, there have also been a few cases of people experiencing bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. These cases were considered to be isolated.
In conclusion, a tooth infection caused by an infected wisdom tooth, which may also be caused by TMJ disorder, can cause tinnitus.