Can Teeth Grinding Really Cause Tinnitus? Here’s What You Should Know

Ever noticed a high-pitched ringing in your ears, especially after a restless night and waking up with a sore jaw? If it's happened more than once, you might be dealing with two conditions simultaneously: tinnitus and bruxism.

Could what's happening in your ears actually be starting in your jaw? Let's break down the surprising connection between daytime or nighttime teeth grinding and that persistent buzzing in your ears — and how a reliable custom mouthguard for bruxism may help reduce both.

Quick Overview: What Are Tinnitus and Bruxism?

According to Mayo Clinic, tinnitus occurs when you hear or experience ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or humming in your ears. It has three distinct forms:

• Subjective tinnitus, where only you can perceive the noise.
  
• Pulsable tinnitus, where the sound pulses in sync with your heartbeat.
• Objective tinnitus, where the sound can also be heard by your doctor during an exam.

But then again, bruxism happens when you grind your teeth or clench your jaw. It has two varieties:

• Daytime bruxism, or teeth grinding during waking hours.
  
• Nighttime bruxism, where you grind your teeth while you're asleep.
  

Curious about what causes bruxism? Read this next: Why Bruxism?: Identifying Some Common Risk Factors

The Connection Between Bruxism and Tinnitus

You might be wondering, why does my ear ring when I clench my jaw? The answer lies in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) or the point that connects your jawbone to your skull. It's the main area affected by bruxism. According to Amplifon, the pressure radiating from the jaw often affects nearby areas of the head, including the ears. This can trigger that persistent ringing. What's more, Cleveland Clinic states that tinnitus is considered as one of the symptoms of bruxism.

That said, it's important to remember that having a few symptoms of bruxism doesn't automatically mean you'll develop tinnitus. The buzzing in your ears is just one of the many complications that can be linked to bruxism — not a guaranteed outcome.

How Ringing Ears and Teeth Grinding Affect Your Oral Health

Tinnitus doesn't directly harm your teeth or gums, but it can set off triggers that lead to bruxism. Here are five ways tinnitus and teeth grinding can impact your smile:

#1: It fuels the stress loop

Let's face it: beyond the pain, tinnitus can be downright frustrating. That kind of distress can build up into stress and anxiety — two major triggers of bruxism. As bruxism escalates, so does the pressure on your jaw, which can worsen tooth damage, jaw discomfort, and the ringing in your ears. Hence, the stress loop.

Wondering what else this stress loop might stir up? We've covered it here: The Hidden Link Between Sleep Apnea & Teeth Grinding

#2: It disrupts your sleep

Tinnitus often disrupts sleep. Poor sleep can raise cortisol levels, which weakens your immune system. A compromised immune response may lead to inflamed gums and a decline in overall oral health.

#3: It causes jaw tension

Some tinnitus sufferers clench their jaws to cope with the ringing, while others do it unconsciously due to stress. Constant clamping of the jaw builds tension, which can shift your mood, cause pain while chewing, and leave you feeling exhausted.

#4: It gives you dental anxiety

Knowing that a ringing ear can worsen teeth grinding might make you think any dental work will just get damaged again. This mindset can lead to skipping dentist visits and neglecting your oral health.

#5: It can lead to bite misalignment

Managing Bruxism and Tinnitus with ClearClub

First off, kudos for educating yourself about tinnitus and bruxism. Now, we'll take it from here. If you're worried that your teeth and jaw are taking a beating while dealing with tinnitus, stress management and a reliable custom mouthguard can help protect your oral health and ease the strain.

🔎 Solution #1: Mental Unwinding

Stress can heavily impact almost every system in our body, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). One mechanism that can trigger bruxism and tinnitus involves the nervous system, which regulates mood, the fight-or-flight response, and the relaxation response. Mitigating stress could greatly benefit your body, especially your oral health.

You can start by switching to healthier meals, avoiding harmful substances and activities, exercising regularly, and practicing self-regulation techniques. For a more complete guide on following this routine, check out our selection of lifestyle blogs below:

• Hobby-focused: [Five Hobbies To Give You Focus and Reduce Stress]
• Nutrition Guide: [Seven Dietary Tips To Mitigate Your Stress Levels]
• Relaxation Hacks: [Seven Hacks For Managing Stress (And Bruxism, Too)]

🔎 Solution #2: Using a Mouthguard for Bruxism

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While you work on lowering your cortisol levels, having a durable custom mouthguard for bruxism is a plus; It can help you protect your teeth from damage caused by grinding and clenching. Try ClearClub's Clear Custom Night Guard, a seamless, comfortable fit without sacrificing protection. If you prefer vibrancy over near-invisibility, you can explore our Multi-Color and Color Night Guard designs.

 

If you love your first experience, you can subscribe to our renewal plan and receive fresh replacements every 3, 4 or 6 months.

You don't have to endure stress twice. Get a reliable mouthguard today to porotect your teeth and jaw while managing tinnitus.

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