Do you experience unexplained bouts of dizziness or vertigo? Do you also suffer from jaw pain, stiffness, frequent headaches or neck pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or other symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder? Here’s a closer look at how your jaw could negatively affect your balance, and what you can do about it.
What is TMJ Disorder?
To chew food, smile, speak, laugh, or sneeze, you need to be able to open and close your mouth. This requires the use of a delicate set of joints known as temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull. Located near your ear, the TMJ are surprisingly easy to injure, and can become stressed due to things like teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and even genetics. When this occurs, it is known as a TMJ disorder, which can not only affect the ability to open and close your mouth, but it can also cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like head, neck, and shoulder pain, earaches and tinnitus, and even vertigo and dizziness.
The Connection Between TMJ Disorder and Vertigo
While it may seem strange that your jaw joints could be somehow responsible for feelings of dizziness or vertigo, the truth is that when you think about it, it makes a certain amount of sense. You see, the TMJ is close to the vestibular system which includes parts of your nervous system and your inner ear, and contains sensors that help monitor your physical position and body’s response to gravity. They also transmit signals to your brain known as vestibular nuclei, which tell your eye, arm, and leg muscles which movements to make to remain in constant balance.
Unfortunately, however, if these signals become confused, the body may not be able to adjust properly, resulting in an imbalance. When the temporomandibular joints become inflamed, they can affect these vestibular nuclei, interrupting their signal to the brain and causing dizziness and vertigo.
How Your Dentist Treats TMJ Disorders
The good news is that your dentist has treatment options available for patients who suffer from TMJ disorders. Equilibration involves reshaping certain teeth or restorations that may be causing an alignment issue and thereby reducing the pressure on the temporomandibular joint.
Another option is an occlusal splint, which is custom made to comfortably reposition the jaw to a more ideal placement to alleviate pain and pressure. Some patients have also had success with BOTOX for TMJ, which helps relax the muscles for three to six months.
Each of these options can be used together or separately and may also be done in combination with things like physical therapy, jaw exercises, and by applying warm compresses or taking OTC pain relievers. Many patients find that following treatment they are ultimately able to enjoy relief from their TMJ disorder symptoms, including dizziness and vertigo.
Remember, while it may seem strange that your jaw could set your entire body off balance, the truth is that temporomandibular joint disorders rarely affect just the jaw itself. If you are suffering from one or more symptoms that could be related to the TMJ, schedule a consultation for treatment with your dentist today and get back to living a balanced, pain-free life again
About Our Practice
At Smileworks General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that painful conditions like temporomandibular joint dysfunction can make everyday activities like opening and closing your mouth or even standing firmly on the ground a challenge. That’s why we’re proud to offer several safe, effective treatment options to get you back to living a pain free life, with your feet firmly planted on the ground. To learn more about your options, schedule a consultation for TMJ therapy today by visiting our website or calling 843-351-6422.