TMJ and Vertigo: How TMD Causes Dizziness and Balance Issues

If you’re experiencing dizziness, ear pain, or a persistent spinning sensation, the cause might not be your ears—it could be your jaw. Many people are surprised to learn that temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), often referred to as TMJ, can directly affect inner ear function, leading to symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, ear fullness, and balance issues.

Dr. Adam Hahn, an experienced TMJ dentist in Columbia, SC, helps patients find relief from TMJ symptoms using advanced diagnostics and non-invasive neuromuscular dentistry techniques.

The Link Between TMJ and Your Inner Ear

The temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your face, just in front of your ears. They connect your jawbone to your skull and are responsible for essential functions like chewing, speaking, and yawning. When these joints become inflamed or misaligned due to trauma, stress, bite issues, or posture imbalances, a ripple effect can occur throughout the head and neck.

One of the key areas impacted is the inner ear, which houses the vestibular system—the part of your body responsible for maintaining balance and spatial awareness. Because of the joint’s proximity to the ear canal and nerves, even minor TMJ dysfunction can interfere with balance and pressure regulation.

Can TMJ Cause Vertigo and Dizziness?

Yes. TMD is a lesser-known cause of balance-related issues such as vertigo and dizziness. Patients suffering from TMD may experience:

• A spinning sensation (true vertigo)
• Feeling off-balance or unsteady
• Lightheadedness or faintness
• Pressure or fullness in the ears
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Motion sensitivity and nausea

These symptoms can be intermittent or chronic, and often worsen with jaw movement, chewing, or prolonged talking. In severe cases, vertigo from TMJ can interfere with daily activities like driving, working, or even walking without support.

How TMJ Affects Balance and Equilibrium

When the jaw is misaligned, it can place pressure on the eustachian tubes, which regulate pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. This interference may cause a buildup of pressure in the ear, leading to sensations of ear fullness, hearing fluctuation, and dizziness.

Inflammation in the jaw joints may also impact the trigeminal nerve or other cranial nerves responsible for sensory input. In some cases, this nerve interference can confuse the vestibular system, resulting in conflicting signals that your brain interprets as motion—even when you’re still.

Vertigo vs. Dizziness: What’s the Difference?

Understanding your symptoms can help identify the right treatment path.

• Vertigo is the false sensation that you or your environment is spinning. It is often associated with inner ear disorders or nerve dysfunction.
• Dizziness is a broader term that may include lightheadedness, wooziness, imbalance, or feeling faint.

While both symptoms can occur in TMD patients, vertigo is more specific and often more debilitating. Dizziness can occur due to poor posture, lack of blood flow, or musculoskeletal strain—all of which are influenced by jaw and neck alignment.

TMJ, Tinnitus, and Meniere’s-Like Symptoms

It’s not uncommon for patients with TMJ to experience symptoms that resemble Meniere’s disease, such as:

• One-sided ear pressure
• Low-frequency hearing loss
• Sudden vertigo attacks
• Ringing in the ears

Though Meniere’s is a chronic inner ear condition, many TMD patients experience Meniere’s-like symptoms due to pressure dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints and eustachian tubes.

Dr. Hahn has seen success in helping patients manage or eliminate these symptoms by correcting the root cause—misalignment and tension within the jaw and neck structures.

Neuromuscular Dentistry and CCMD Treatment

Treating vertigo or dizziness caused by TMJ isn’t about masking symptoms—it’s about correcting the source of dysfunction. Dr. Hahn is an expert in treating cranio-cervical mandibular dysfunction (CCMD), which refers to misalignment among the head, neck, jaw, and shoulders.

By focusing on total body posture and jaw positioning, patients experience not only relief from dizziness, but also improvements in:

• Neck tension and mobility
• Breathing patterns
• Headache frequency
• Sleep quality
• Gait and balance

Comprehensive TMJ Treatment Options

Dr. Hahn uses a combination of conservative, evidence-based techniques to realign the jaw and relieve pressure on the inner ear and supporting muscles. Treatments may include:

• Oral appliance therapy: Custom orthotics worn at night or during the day to guide the jaw into a more balanced position.
• TENS therapy: Uses mild electrical pulses to relax jaw muscles and improve circulation.
• Full-mouth reconstruction: In cases of advanced bite misalignment, this may include restoring worn teeth to achieve proper jaw support.
• Postural and lifestyle coaching: Adjustments to sleep position, pillow type, and workstation ergonomics.
• Orofacial myofunctional therapy: Focused exercises to improve tongue posture and facial muscle coordination.
• Stress management techniques: Since bruxism (clenching and grinding) is often stress-related, managing mental health is part of comprehensive care.

These treatments are designed to relieve joint strain, support healthy posture, and reduce inflammation—all of which contribute to improved vestibular function.

Why Columbia, SC Patients Choose Dr. Adam Hahn

Dr. Hahn is a leader in neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ treatment in Columbia, South Carolina. Patients from across the state visit Smile Columbia for relief from debilitating symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, and jaw pain when traditional ENT or neurologic approaches have failed.

His training in advanced diagnostics and focus on total-body alignment sets him apart from general dentists and ENT providers who may overlook the role of jaw function in vestibular disorders.

When to Seek Help for TMJ-Related Vertigo

You don’t have to live with unexplained dizziness or spinning sensations. If you’ve seen ENT specialists or neurologists and ruled out inner ear disease or brain-related conditions, it may be time to consider a dental-based origin.

Signs you may benefit from TMJ evaluation include:

• Dizziness that worsens after chewing or talking
• Ear pressure that doesn’t respond to sinus or allergy medication
• Vertigo with no clear inner ear diagnosis
• Ongoing jaw pain, tension, or clicking
• A history of bruxism, whiplash, or head trauma