Teenager Finds Relief from Jaw Pain and Tinnitus with TMJ Therapy and Splint Treatment

A teenage patient came to Nuffield Dental with persistent jaw pain on the right side, episodes of jaw locking, and a faint ringing in the ears (tinnitus). These are classic warning signs of Temporomandibular Joint (TM J) dysfunction, often linked to excessive jaw clenching or grinding (known as bruxism).

Understanding the Condition

On clinical and radiographic assessment, several findings became clear:

• Stress-related changes in the jaw joint consistent with overloading.

• Sinus congestion and enlarged nasal turbinates, which can increase facial pressure and worsen TMJ symptoms.

• Tenderness of the jaw and temple muscles, reflecting prolonged tension from clenching.

This combination of muscle strain, joint stress, and nasal inflammation explained the patient’s discomfort and tinnitus.

A Comprehensive Treatment Plan

At Nuffield Dental, TMJ management is never one-dimensional. A coordinated plan was developed to address all contributing factors:

1. ENT evaluation – to manage chronic sinus inflammation and underlying allergies that may aggravate jaw pressure.

2. Physiotherapy – to relieve muscle tension, improve jaw mobility, and teach posture and relaxation techniques.

3. Custom splints – a Michigan Splint for night-time protection and a Day Guard for monitoring and reducing daytime clenching.

4. Lifestyle guidance – advice on diet, sleep position, and awareness of parafunctional habits like resting the chin or tensing the jaw.

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Progress After Several Visits

• Initial fitting (August 2025): Both splints fabricated; the day guard was refined to improve comfort and retention.

• Adjustments (September 2025): Fine-tuning of the upper bite contacts to ensure proper balance.

• Three-month review (November 2025): The patient reported a 70 per cent improvement in jaw comfort and only very mild tinnitus. Examination revealed minimal tooth wear and excellent protection from the night guard.

  
  

The only concern was inconsistent daytime use of the splint, so further emphasis was placed on wearing both appliances regularly to prevent subconscious clenching during waking hours.

Looking Ahead

The patient will continue splint therapy and follow-up physiotherapy, with reviews scheduled every three months to track wear patterns and compliance. TMJ recovery often requires time and discipline, but steady progress is expected when treatment is followed consistently.

Key Takeaway

TMJ disorders can affect anyone — including teenagers — and often present with muscle tension, jaw clicking, or ear symptoms. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach involving dental splints, physiotherapy, and ENT care can dramatically reduce discomfort and prevent long-term joint damage.

If you experience similar symptoms, schedule a consultation at Nuffield Dental. Early, evidence-based TMJ therapy can restore comfort, protect your teeth, and bring back harmony to your bite.