Tinnitus is a frustrating condition for millions of people. The brain is perceiving sound without an external source, it’s often a sign that something else is happening in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 15–20% of adults live with tinnitus, and the causes can range widely. It is not a disease on its own but it’s often a symptom, and it can be tied to a wide range of conditions. Ear infections, age-related hearing decline, exposure to loud environments, and even certain medications are among the common culprits. But when these explanations fall short, the source of tinnitus may lie in a place many don’t think to check: the teeth and jaw. 

This link might seem unexpected, yet recent studies show that oral health and ear health are not as separate as they appear. The jaw joint sits close to the ear canal, and what happens in the teeth, muscles, and nerves of the face can echo into hearing. When the puzzle of tinnitus feels unsolvable, dental factors could be an overlooked piece. 

The Overlooked Connection Between Teeth and Ears 

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull) is central to this connection. This joint shares nerve pathways with the ear, which means that stress placed on the jaw can influence what is felt, or heard, in the ear. 

Bruxism, the habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, is one of the more direct examples. Both daytime clenching and nighttime grinding strain the TMJ. Over time, this stress can radiate into the ear, producing or worsening tinnitus. A 2024 study published in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica found that people with bruxism had a 46% higher risk of pathological tinnitus, episodes lasting more than five minutes for at least a week. Tooth pain was linked to an even higher risk, suggesting that dental discomfort and ear symptoms may travel hand in hand. 

Temporomandibular Disorders and Tinnitus 

When bruxism or other issues affect the TMJ, it can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD). People with TMD often report jaw pain, popping sounds, or restricted movement. While TMD does not always cause tinnitus directly, research indicates it can make existing tinnitus more severe. 

A study in Frontiers in Neuroscience noted that tinnitus linked to TMD often shifts with jaw or head movements, and stress tends to amplify the symptoms. This suggests a two-way relationship: ear symptoms can reflect what is happening in the jaw, and tension in the jaw can heighten the perception of sound in the ear. 

Dental changes later in life can also play a role. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they may cause swelling or infection that affects the middle ear, leading to temporary tinnitus. Even the process of extraction can influence ear function. The vibration from dental drills or temporary inflammation after surgery may cause ringing that usually fades with recovery. 

Although these episodes are typically short-lived, they highlight how sensitive the auditory system is to nearby dental disturbances. For those already prone to tinnitus, wisdom tooth complications can make the ringing more noticeable. 

Alignment, Bite, and Muscle Tension 

The way teeth align can influence jaw movement and, in turn, ear function. A study  suggested that malocclusion (teeth that don’t align properly) can force the jaw muscles to adapt awkwardly. This extra tension may affect the tensor tympani, a small muscle in the middle ear. When overstimulated, this muscle can trigger ear pain, a sense of fullness, or tinnitus. 

This view underscores that tinnitus is not always just about the ear itself but about the broader network of muscles and nerves that surround it. 

What to Do if Dental Issues Are Suspected 

If tinnitus persists without a clear ear-related cause, it may be worth consulting a dentist as well as an audiologist. Addressing dental factors does not guarantee resolution, but it can reduce triggers that contribute to tinnitus intensity. 

Possible steps include: 

• Bite guards: Wearing a guard at night can reduce grinding and protect both teeth and jaw.

• Jaw relaxation techniques: Physical therapy, massage, or nerve stimulation may ease pressure on the TMJ.

• Preventive care: Treating tooth decay, addressing bite alignment, or managing wisdom teeth early can minimize related risks.

• Lifestyle adjustments: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and stress (and factors known to aggravate both bruxism and Tinnitus) can improve outcomes.

In cases where tinnitus follows dental work, the ringing often fades as healing progresses. But ongoing or worsening symptoms should not be ignored, as they may signal either ear-specific or dental-related issues that require attention.