Suffering from Vertigo and Dizziness? TMJ May Be the Cause

If you suffer from unexplained dizziness, lightheadedness, and a spinning feeling, you might need to see … your dentist?

Surprisingly, your dentist might hold the key to solving your issue: vertigo, a sensation of motion or spinning often described as dizziness, is a common symptom of TMJ disorder, which affects your jaw joints.

Here at American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California, our team knows how to treat TMJ disorder to relieve your vertigo. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull like a hinge — you have one on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorder causes pain in the joint and the muscles that control the movement of your jaw.

Symptoms also can include locking of the joint, pain in and around your ear, a clicking or grating sound when your jaw moves, headaches, and more.

While there’s no primary cause of TMJ disorder, potential causes include injury, teeth grinding or clenching, jaw arthritis, and even stress.

How does TMJ disorder cause vertigo?

With vertigo, you may feel like you’re spinning or moving even if you’re still. That’s caused by an issue in your inner ear, one of the most delicate and complex systems in the body. 

Your inner ear contains tiny hairs in fluid-filled channels that monitor your body’s physical position in space. These hairs send signals to the brain, which controls your body’s movements so you stay upright and balanced. 

If these signals are disrupted, your body struggles for balance, resulting in spinning and dizziness.

Here’s where TMJ disorder comes into play: Your inner ear is located just above and behind your jawbone on each side of your head. Inflammation from TMJ disorder can reach your inner ear, interrupting the delicate mechanism that keeps you balanced.

Treating TMJ disorder

If your dentist believes your vertigo is the result of TMJ disorder, several treatment options are available.

With mild cases, try an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce inflammation, eat soft foods, apply ice packs to your jaw, and avoid extreme jaw movements. You might also consider physical therapy exercises or a massage.

If these approaches bring relief from your TMJ disorder, your dizziness should also fade away. If not, you may need other treatments, including prescription medication, Botox® injections, an orthotic appliance for your jaw, or even surgery to realign your jaw.

Are you struggling with vertigo? Our team at American Dental Clinic may be able to help. Call our office at 858-215-2951 or book your appointment online today.