Can dizziness come from the jaw?
Unexplained dizziness or wobbly balance – but ENT and neurology find nothing? Here you can read what is known about the connection with the jaw and neck, what remains open, and when you absolutely must have it assessed by a doctor first.
First, and more important than anything else: acute or newly occurring dizziness, sudden severe dizziness together with visual, speech or walking disturbances, with numbness, paralysis or a severe headache, and dizziness after a fall or accident need an immediate medical or neurological assessment – not CMD diagnostics. The jaw system only becomes a sensible topic once serious causes have been ruled out.
What is known about the jaw system and balance
Anatomically, the jaw joint lies immediately next to the inner ear, where the organ of balance also sits. The chewing and neck muscles are also closely linked with each other and give the brain feedback about the position of the head in space. From this proximity, a connection between the jaw system and dizziness is repeatedly inferred.
Here we have to be honest. For the ear and balance – that is, for tinnitus, ear noises, hearing sensation and dizziness – the scientific evidence is inconsistent. That a disorder in the jaw system causes dizziness has not been proven. The same applies to the spine, pelvis and feet. What there is, are observations from practice: people with jaw and neck complaints report strikingly often that they also feel unsteady. That is a clue, nothing more – and expressly not proof. When we write about the connection on this page, we are writing about clinical experience, not about established causes. No treatment result can be promised on that basis.
What those affected typically describe
In our consultations, we frequently hear the same combination with unexplained dizziness. It is not proof that the jaw system is involved, but a reason to look more closely:
- A diffuse swaying or light-headed dizziness rather than a clear spinning vertigo.
- At the same time, jaw clicking, teeth grinding or jaw pain.
- Persistent neck and shoulder tension.
- Worsening with stress and tension.
- ENT and neurological findings are unremarkable.
The fact that ENT or neurology find nothing is not an oversight. Each specialty carefully examines its own area – an unremarkable finding is important and good information, because it rules out serious causes.
Short self-check
Feel your temple and cheek muscles – are they clearly tender to pressure? Does your jaw click when opening? Are your neck and shoulders hard in the morning? Several “yes” answers together with unexplained dizziness are a reason to have the jaw system examined as well. The CMD self-test gives a first assessment in two minutes. Here too: are your glasses or contact lenses currently correctly fitted? Vision problems should always be checked as well in dizziness.
What can be considered
Once serious causes have been ruled out by a doctor and there are also jaw and neck complaints, an examination of the jaw system can make sense. The CMD System Check measures bite position, muscle activity and chewing forces instead of guessing at them. If the chewing muscles turn out to be overloaded, an individually made splint can relieve these muscles. Physiotherapy for the jaw and neck and stress reduction are helpful alongside. Whether and how the dizziness changes as a result differs from person to person and cannot be predicted. You can find more on this pattern of complaints under Tinnitus & dizziness.
Frequently asked questions
Can the jaw trigger dizziness?
A causal connection has not been scientifically proven, and the evidence on ear and balance is inconsistent. It is observed, however, that people with jaw and neck complaints frequently also report feelings of swaying or light-headedness. That is a clue, not proof – and therefore worth a closer look once serious causes have been ruled out by a doctor.
When must I see a doctor immediately with dizziness?
With acute or newly occurring dizziness, with sudden severe dizziness together with visual, speech or walking disturbances, with numbness, paralysis or a severe headache, and after a fall or accident: have it assessed immediately by a doctor or neurologist. Not through CMD diagnostics.
How can I tell that my jaw system might be involved?
What is typically described is an unclear swaying dizziness together with jaw clicking or teeth grinding, tender temple and cheek muscles, neck tension and worsening with stress – with unremarkable ENT and neurological findings.
What can be considered for jaw-related dizziness?
First, the medical assessment. Once serious causes have been ruled out, an examination of the jaw system with the CMD System Check can show whether the chewing muscles are overloaded. An individual splint, accompanying physiotherapy for jaw and neck, and stress reduction can then be considered. How the dizziness changes as a result differs from person to person.
Is your jaw system involved? Take the self-test
Without obligation – with an initial assessment straight away.