Hi, I’m Dr. Shauna Palmer from Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna. If you’ve ever had ear pain but your doctor tells you there’s “nothing wrong” with your ears, you’re not imagining things.
One of the most overlooked causes of chronic ear discomfort is TMJ disorder—a problem with your jaw joint that can masquerade as an ear infection, hearing issue, or even dizziness. In fact, TMJ ear pain is something I see all the time in my practice.
If you’ve been googling “why do my ears hurt when there’s no infection?” or “why does my jaw feel tight and my ear ache?”—you’re not alone. And if you’re here looking for answers to tmj ear pain Kelowna—you’re in the right place.
“But I Thought TMJ Was Just Jaw Clicking?”
It’s a fair question—and a super common one. Most people think TMJ issues only show up as jaw popping or teeth grinding. But the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located right next to your ear canal. When that joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can radiate pain into your ear, cheek, temple, and even your neck and shoulders.
TMJ ear pain may feel like:
- A deep ache in or around the ear
- Stuffiness or fullness in the ear (but your hearing test comes back normal)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Occasional dizziness or balance issues
- Pain that comes and goes when chewing, talking, or even yawning
And here’s the frustrating part—many people go to ENT doctors, try medications, or get their hearing tested, only to come back with zero answers. That’s because this kind of ear pain isn’t coming from inside the ear—it’s coming from the outside, from your jaw.
How TMJ Ear Pain Affects Your Life
TMJ ear pain doesn’t just make you uncomfortable—it can derail your entire routine. You might avoid talking, eating, laughing, or even socializing because of the pain. And when the discomfort is chronic, it wears you down.
- At work, you may have trouble focusing during meetings, especially if the pain ramps up when you’re speaking or stressed.
- At home, it can disrupt your sleep, affect your mood, or make you more irritable with loved ones.
- In relationships, it can be tough to stay connected when you’re in a cycle of pain and fatigue.
This is why I approach TMJ treatment from a whole-body perspective. Because your ear pain isn’t just about your ear—or even just about your jaw. It’s about how your bite, posture, muscles, and nervous system are all working (or not working) together.
My Holistic Approach to TMJ Ear Pain in Kelowna
At Health & Beauty Dentistry, our motto is simple: Health and Beauty: You deserve both! And that philosophy is woven into everything we do—especially when it comes to treating TMJ disorders like TMJ ear pain.
Even though I’m a general dentist, my practice is rooted in physiologic and holistic dentistry. That means I look beyond the teeth. I look at your bite alignment, muscle tension, posture, airway, and yes—even your stress levels.
Here’s how we treat TMJ ear pain in a way that’s different:
- 3D CT: Imaging of the head, neck, jaw, jaw joints, ears etc.
- Neuromuscular Evaluation: We use advanced diagnostics to measure muscle function and jaw movement. No guesswork—just clear data.
- Customized Orthotics: We may create a custom-made oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw into its ideal, pain-free position.
- Whole-body Balance: I consider how your jaw is affecting your neck, shoulders, and posture. We often collaborate with physiotherapists, chiropractors or osteopaths when needed.
- Safe, Biocompatible Materials: Because holistic dentistry matters, especially when you’re already feeling sensitive and inflamed. We use BPA-free fillings and avoid toxic materials.
- Sleep + Breathing Checks: Many TMJ patients also have undiagnosed sleep apnea or airway restrictions. We screen for these too.
TMJ treatment isn’t about masking the symptoms. It’s about restoring balance. My job is to help bring your jaw and your body back into harmony—so you can live, work, and connect without the nagging pain that’s been holding you back.
You Don’t Have to Live with TMJ Ear Pain
I’ve helped so many patients right here in Kelowna who thought they’d “just have to live with it.” People who were dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told it was all in their head. I’m here to tell you—it’s not in your head. It’s in your jaw. And we can help.
When I do my job properly, people who were hesitant to smile—or too distracted by pain to enjoy life—walk out with a perm-grin and a whole new perspective. That’s my goal every single day.
If you’re dealing with TMJ ear pain in Kelowna, let’s talk. Relief might be closer than you think.
Book your consultation today and take that first step toward a pain-free, vibrant, and fully present life. Because health and beauty aren’t luxuries—they’re what you deserve.
