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Guide · Ear & dizziness

Can dizziness come from the jaw? What is known and what remains open.

Unexplained dizziness is distressing, and finding the cause often takes a long time. A link with the jaw system has been described but is not proven. Here you can read what that means for you.

Dr. med. dent. Bodo S. von Gadomski Dr. med. dent. Bodo S. von GadomskiDentist · Founder of the CMD-Klinik
9 min read Types of dizziness · Evidence · Emergency signs
Contents · 8 questions
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Dizziness has many possible causes, from the inner ear to circulation to the neck. That is why the order of assessment matters. The jaw system only comes into question once ear, nerves and circulation have been examined. We tell you openly here how good the evidence is.

Question 01 of 8

Can dizziness come from the jaw?

In shortA link has been described: people with CMD report dizziness more often. But it is not scientifically proven that the jaw is the cause.

For ear and balance symptoms in CMD, studies show an association, meaning they occur together. A cause-and-effect relationship cannot be derived from this. What we observe in the clinic is clinical experience, not established evidence.

We would rather tell you this upfront than promise you something the evidence does not support.

Question 02 of 8

What types of dizziness are there?

In shortRoughly three: spinning vertigo, swaying dizziness and light-headedness. The type gives a first clue to the cause.

  1. Spinning vertigoYour surroundings spin like a merry-go-round. Often from the balance organ in the inner ear, for example in benign positional vertigo, inflammation of the balance nerve or Ménière’s disease.
  2. Swaying dizzinessThe ground feels like the deck of a ship. Causes may lie in the balance system, the nerves, the neck or in anxiety and tension.
  3. Light-headednessAn empty head, feeling about to faint. Often from circulation, low blood pressure, blood sugar or medication.

Before seeing your doctor, note what your dizziness feels like, how long it lasts and what triggers it. This helps with classification more than any test.

Question 03 of 8

What is known about the jaw and dizziness?

In shortThe jaw joint lies directly in front of the ear, jaw muscles and neck are closely linked, and the neck supplies important information for balance. This suggests possible connections, but no proof.

  • The jaw joint and the ear canal are separated only by a thin wall of bone.
  • Some muscles in the middle ear are supplied by the same nerves as the chewing muscles.
  • The cervical spine tells the brain the position of the head. Tension there can disturb balance.
  • The jaw system and upper neck are controlled by shared reflexes.

The evidence on these pathways is inconsistent. That is why we never attribute dizziness to the jaw alone, but check the jaw system as a possible contributor once other causes have been ruled out.

Question 04 of 8

What is cervicogenic dizziness?

In shortDizziness thought to originate in the neck, usually swaying dizziness with head movements and neck pain. The diagnosis is controversial and is only made once other causes have been ruled out.

Typically described are unsteadiness when turning the head, a tense, painful neck and restricted mobility. Because jaw and neck work closely together, we look at both in this picture.

Question 05 of 8

When should I think of the jaw?

In shortIf ENT and neurology have found nothing and there are also jaw signs: clicking, clenching, grinding, pressure in front of the ear or a tense neck.

  • Dizziness together with ear pressure, without findings in the ear
  • Swaying dizziness that comes and goes with neck and jaw tension
  • Worsening after dental treatment or with stress
  • Pressure at the temples in the morning or signs of grinding

The symptom page Tinnitus, ear pressure and dizziness describes this combination in more detail.

Question 06 of 8

In what order should I have dizziness assessed?

In shortFirst your GP practice, then ENT and neurology if needed. Only if nothing is found there does a CMD assessment make sense.

  1. GP practiceblood pressure, blood sugar, blood count, medication, heart rhythm.
  2. ENTbalance organ, hearing, positional tests.
  3. Neurologywith additional neurological signs or unclear findings.
  4. Functional diagnostics of the jaw systemif the other findings are normal and there are jaw signs. In the CMD Systems Check we measure muscle activity, bite position and cervical spine.
Question 07 of 8

What can I do myself?

In shortKeep a dizziness diary, drink enough, get up slowly, stay active and relax neck and jaw.

  • Note the type, duration and trigger of each episode of dizziness.
  • Get up slowly, especially in the morning: sit first, then stand.
  • Keep moving despite unsteadiness: balance is trained through use. With physiotherapy guidance if needed.
  • Relax jaw and neck, instructions in the article CMD exercises at home.
Question 08 of 8

When is dizziness an emergency?

In shortWhen it starts suddenly and violently and is accompanied by paralysis, speech or visual disturbances, double vision, a drooping corner of the mouth, sudden hearing loss or very severe headache.

These signs may indicate a stroke. Call emergency number 144 immediately. Sudden hearing loss in one ear should also be checked by a doctor the same day.

More questions, already answered

Sources

  • Reviews on otological symptoms in TMD (association, no proven causality)
  • Guidelines on dizziness: classification and assessment
  • Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD)

This article is for general information and does not replace a medical assessment. Dizziness should first be seen by a GP, ENT specialist or neurologist.

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