Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) aren’t exactly rare. In fact, around 12 million adults in the US experience jaw pain and dysfunction due to TMD.
But while most people are aware that TMD can cause pain and clicking in the jaw, one symptom is often overlooked: dizziness. And while dizziness is a less common symptom, it can be a major problem for some people with TMD.
So, can jaw problems cause dizziness? This article will explore the connection between TMD and dizziness, the potential causes, associated symptoms, and available treatment options. We’ll also touch on other potential causes of dizziness since, of course, jaw problems aren’t the only culprit.
Understanding Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. You have one on each side of your jaw. They allow you to talk, chew, and yawn.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a group of conditions that affect the TMJ and the muscles that control it. Besides dizziness, you might have pain in your jaw, a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth, or a limited range of motion in your jaw.
How TMD Can Lead to Dizziness
The TMJ is located very close to your inner ear and the vestibular system, which is responsible for your sense of balance. If your jaw joint is misaligned, the mandibular condyle (the bony projection on the lower jaw that fits into the TMJ) can put pressure on the structures of your inner ear, which can affect your balance.
In addition, if your chewing muscles are constantly working overtime, that hyperactivity can lead to dysfunction in the tubes that connect to your ear and throw off your sense of balance.
The link between TMD and dizziness: Symptoms and prevalence
Dizziness and vertigo are often reported in people with temporomandibular joint disorders, also known as TMJ or TMD. People with TMD may feel lightheaded, unsteady, or as though the room is spinning. The dizziness can be constant, or it may come and go. Sometimes, it gets worse when you move your jaw.
Along with dizziness, people with TMD may have jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears.
How common is dizziness in people with TMD?
One study showed that about 60% of people with TMD reported vertigo as a symptom. A similar study found that 65% of people with vertigo had TMD.
Overall, having TMD may more than double your risk of experiencing vertigo.
Experts say that the link between TMD and dizziness is often overlooked, so it’s a good idea to discuss all of your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
Dangers of TMD-related dizziness
Dizziness related to TMD can seriously impact your daily life. It can lead to falls and accidents, especially when you’re doing things like walking or driving. Imagine feeling unsteady while navigating stairs or trying to merge onto a busy highway – that’s the reality for some people with TMD.
Chronic dizziness can also take a toll on your mental health. The constant feeling of imbalance and uncertainty can cause anxiety and depression. Some people withdraw from social activities because they’re embarrassed or afraid of having a dizzy spell in public, which can lead to isolation.
That’s why it’s so important to seek treatment if you think your dizziness might be related to TMD. Getting the right care can help prevent further complications and improve your overall quality of life.
Other potential causes of dizziness
Dizziness can be caused by a variety of conditions, so it’s important to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Inner ear disorders
Inner ear problems can often cause dizziness. For example, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition in which tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and cause brief episodes of vertigo. The Epley maneuver, a series of specific head movements, can often help to reposition these crystals and relieve the dizziness.
Meniere’s disease is another inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, along with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. These disorders affect the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance, leading to dizziness and other related symptoms.
Other medical conditions
Dizziness can also be a symptom of various other medical conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Low blood pressure
- Anemia
- Ear infections
- Head trauma
- Medication side effects
Importance of differential diagnosis
Given the many potential causes of dizziness, it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and determine the underlying cause of your dizziness, which is essential for effective treatment.
Diagnosing TMD-Related Dizziness
Diagnosing TMD can be tricky. A doctor or dentist will usually start with a physical exam, checking your jaw joint and muscles for tenderness. They’ll also look at how your jaw moves and how far you can open your mouth.
Sometimes, imaging like X-rays or MRIs are needed. This helps rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms. It’s also important to see a TMJ specialist for a proper diagnosis. They have the expertise to pinpoint TMD and figure out if it’s really the cause of your dizziness.
Keep in mind that dizziness can be caused by a lot of things, so your doctor will also want to rule out other possibilities before settling on a TMD diagnosis.
TMD dizziness relief and treatment
If your TMD is causing you to feel dizzy, there are steps you can take to find relief.
At-home remedies
There are a variety of self-care measures you can take to manage TMD symptoms and dizziness:
- Apply heat or ice packs to your jaw joints.
- Eat soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing.
- Avoid chewing gum and other activities that strain your jaw.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing up.
- Try not to extend or flex your neck.
- Move your head slowly.
Professional interventions
If self-care isn’t enough, there are a number of treatments that healthcare professionals can offer:
- Occlusal orthotics (splints). These custom-made mouthguards can help to stabilize your jaw and reduce pain.
- Non-surgical therapy. Physical therapy and massage can help to improve the range of motion in your jaw and reduce muscle tension.
- Medications. Muscle relaxants and pain relievers can help to ease TMD symptoms.
- Acupuncture. Some people find that acupuncture helps to relieve TMD pain and dizziness.
- Surgery. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct TMD.
If your dizziness is related to a balance issue, your doctor may recommend vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3-finger test for TMJ?
The “3-finger test” is a quick way to assess your jaw’s range of motion. Ideally, you should be able to comfortably fit three fingers (index, middle, and ring) vertically into your mouth. If you can’t, it could indicate limited jaw mobility potentially linked to TMJ, but it’s not a definitive diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of dental vertigo?
While “dental vertigo” isn’t a formal medical term, it describes dizziness potentially stemming from dental issues, often TMJ. Symptoms might include a spinning sensation, imbalance, lightheadedness, nausea, and even ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
What does TMJ dizziness feel like?
TMJ-related dizziness can vary. Some people describe a general sense of unsteadiness, while others experience more intense vertigo, a sensation of the room spinning. It can also feel like a pressure imbalance in the ears or a foggy-headed feeling.
How to get rid of vertigo from TMJ?
Addressing TMJ-related vertigo often involves treating the underlying jaw issue. This could include physical therapy, TMJ exercises, mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding, stress management techniques, or in some cases, medication or surgery. Consult with your doctor to figure out the best course of action.
In Conclusion
TMD and dizziness may be more closely related than you think, so it’s important to be aware of the possible connection.
Luckily, there are many ways to treat TMD and reduce or eliminate TMD-related dizziness, including physical therapy, medication, mouthguards, and, in some cases, surgery.
If you suspect that you’re experiencing dizziness because of TMD, talk with a healthcare provider. A TMJ specialist can diagnose the problem and help you find the right treatment.
With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief from TMD-related dizziness and improve your overall quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing these symptoms; relief is possible.