Dizziness is a symptom of so many medical issues that it can be incredibly difficult to diagnose the root problem. If you’re prone to dizziness and are running out of possible causes, a TMJ disorder could be to blame. Keep reading to learn more about how these two conditions are connected – and how your dentist could help!
What is TMJ?
TMJ is short for the “temporomandibular joint” – which is a hinge-like joint located in front of the ears and between the upper and lower jaw. Basically, it allows you to open and close your mouth.
A TMJ disorder can occur when the joint or muscles around it become strained, or when an uneven jaw alignment creates tension. It’s not uncommon for someone with a TMJ disorder to experience chronic jaw pain, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo, and a plethora of other symptoms.
How Do TMJ Disorders Cause Dizziness?
At first glance, it doesn’t make much sense for a joint related to your jaw to make you feel off-balance. And truthfully, the strong association between TMJ disorders and dizziness isn’t completely understood. Experts do, however, have a pretty solid theory.
Remember how the TMJ is also close to your ears? Well, the complex anatomy of the inner ear happens to be responsible for your sense of balance. The assumption is that as the muscles surrounding the TMJ swell and tense, they exert pressure on the inner ear, interfering with your body’s ability to understand where it is in space.
This would explain why those with a TMJ disorder can feel unsteady or like the world is spinning.
Treating Your TMJ – And Your Vertigo!
Regardless of how TMJ disorders cause sensations of dizziness and vertigo, equilibration/occlusal adjustments, occlusal splints, and BOTOX injections prove to be effective treatments. Here’s a brief look at how your dentist can use these options to address your symptoms:
- Equilibration/occlusal adjustments – small adjustments will be made to a few of your teeth, improving your jaw’s bite alignment and relieving the tension on your TMJ.
- Occlusal splints – wearing this custom oral appliance will shift the position of your jaw and TMJ, allowing the joint and its muscles to relax.
- BOTOX injections – temporarily force facial muscles to relax, providing short-term relief for TMJ-related pain and discomfort.
Your qualified TMJ dentist can also help you determine whether a TMJ disorder is the source of your dizziness. If you’re ready to deal with this bothersome symptom once and for all, contact them for a consultation and personalized treatment plan!
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran is a highly experienced dentist who’s trained to treat TMJ disorders with equilibration/occlusal adjustments, occlusal splints, and BOTOX injections. As a caring and compassionate professional, she listens attentively as patients describe their symptoms and personalizes their treatment plan to address their specific needs. To schedule a TMJ treatment consultation with Dr. Tran, contact her office at 410-729-9090.