Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Tinnitus?

If you’re experiencing ringing or buzzing in your ears, tinnitus might be to blame. Although there are a variety of potential causes for this condition, one which is often overlooked is wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically appear during the late teens and early 20s and are the third set of molars in most individuals. While they do not always cause difficulties, impacted wisdom teeth may lead to various issues – including tinnitus!

Have you noticed any connection between wisdom teeth and tinnitus? This article dives into this subject, uncovering how impacted wisdom teeth, dental procedures, and more might be linked to the onset of ringing in the ears. Let’s find out!

The Relationship Between Wisdom Teeth and Tinnitus

The relationship between wisdom teeth and tinnitus might be unknown to many, but it is a concern that plagues countless individuals. It’s hypothesized that this correlation could be due to the fact that impacted wisdom teeth can trigger inflammation in adjoining areas, which may spread all the way up to your middle ear – located close to the third molars.

When the middle ear becomes irritated, it can lead to tinnitus – a condition that causes ringing, buzzing, and other sounds in the ears. Even though we don’t have an exact understanding of how this happens yet, research suggests it might be linked to changes in sound processing by the brain.

It is critical to make an appointment with a dentist or oral surgeon if you are experiencing discomfort from impacted or infected wisdom teeth. Oftentimes, by eliminating wisdom teeth, you can reduce swelling and stop tinnitus before it even develops.

Dental Surgery and Tinnitus

Although a dental surgical procedure to remove impacted wisdom teeth is generally safe, it remains subject to potential associated complications, including but not limited to tinnitus.

Dental surgery can have a variety of potential complications, and one of the most common is noise-induced hearing loss. This occurs when loud noises or other sounds from the procedure damage your inner ear, which may cause temporary deafness in some cases. Unfortunately, this type of trauma to your ears can also lead to tinnitus.

In addition to risks associated with any dental surgery, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also arise occasionally. This occurs when the lower jaw and skull become misaligned, creating a range of symptoms such as headaches, tinnitus, and, most notably, pain in the jaw area.

When considering undergoing dental surgery, it is imperative to have a dialogue with your dentist or oral surgeon about potential risks and complications. They can help illustrate the steps taken to lessen the possibility of developing tinnitus or other difficulties. Keeping yourself informed will ensure you are able to make an educated decision on moving forward with this procedure.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Tinnitus

Impacted wisdom teeth are a common problem that can lead to a range of dental issues, including inflammation and infection. As we have already discussed, this inflammation can spread to the middle ear and trigger tinnitus.

If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it is absolutely essential to contact a dentist or oral surgeon right away. Promptly consulting with a specialist will help them accurately determine the best course of action that could ultimately save you from potential tinnitus-related side effects and other medical issues down the road.

Even though dental surgery is a feasible approach to removing impacted wisdom teeth, it may also result in long-term complications such as auditory damage or TMJ/TMD. Before undergoing this procedure, make sure that you talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the risks associated with it and possible ways of preventing them.

Preventing Dental Problems

To ensure your oral well-being, it’s vital to visit the dentist regularly. This can help to maintain good overall health, but can also help to prevent impacted wisdom teeth and other dental challenges from cropping up Ultimately, it’s essential to take preventive measures in order to steer clear of dental issues. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, abstaining from smoking or excessive drinking if possible, and seeking medical attention quickly if you experience any signs of a problem. By taking these simple steps now, you can save yourself time (and money) down the road!

If you have any doubts about your dental health or think that tinnitus is an issue, don’t delay talking with a doctor or dentist right away!

Conclusion

Ultimately, the relationship between wisdom teeth and tinnitus is not a widely known one, but it does affect plenty of individuals. If you are experiencing any symptoms connected with either, don’t delay in talking with a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. With the right treatment plan implemented, you will be able to experience improved overall health and an elevated quality of life!

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tinnitus. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tinnitus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350156
2. WebMD. (2021). Impacted Wisdom Teeth. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/impacted-wisdom-teeth
3. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021). Tinnitus. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus
4. American Dental Association. (2021). Wisdom Teeth. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth