Dizziness experienced while chewing can be disorienting. While it might seem unusual, it often points to an underlying issue. It can manifest as lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation, and often has treatable causes.
Common Reasons for Dizziness While Chewing
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders are a frequent cause of dizziness during chewing. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), connecting the jaw to the skull, sits close to the ear canal and, when inflamed or misaligned, can affect nearby nerves and structures. Swelling can distort the ear canal or pressure nearby structures, impacting inner ear fluid balance. This can lead to a sensation of spinning or imbalance, known as vertigo. Approximately 12 million people in the United States are affected by TMJ disorders, and about 40% of individuals with TMJ disorders experience vertigo.
Inner ear conditions also contribute to dizziness when chewing. The inner ear houses the vestibular system, responsible for balance. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear problem where tiny crystals (otoconia) detach and float into the semicircular canals. Chewing motions can sometimes dislodge these crystals, sending false signals to the brain, causing a spinning sensation.
Another inner ear condition, Meniere’s disease, can also cause dizzy spells and hearing loss. It involves a buildup of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear, disrupting balance signals. Its exact cause is unknown, but it often presents with sudden vertigo episodes (20 minutes to 12 hours), accompanied by ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and ear fullness.
Dental issues can also cause dizziness when chewing. Problems like a misaligned bite (malocclusion) or ill-fitting dentures can cause strain on the jaw muscles and joints. This strain can affect nerve pathways or lead to inflammation impacting the inner ear, causing balance problems, lightheadedness, or vertigo. Untreated tooth infections or gum disease can also spread bacteria to the sinuses or inner ear, causing dizziness.
Less common causes for dizziness during chewing include certain nerve disorders, such as trigeminal neuralgia, affecting balance due to nerve irritation near the jaw. Vascular issues, though infrequent for this symptom, could also contribute by affecting blood flow to the brain, inducing dizziness. A comprehensive evaluation can help determine if they are contributing factors.
Accompanying Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care
Dizziness while chewing frequently appears alongside other symptoms, providing clues to the cause. People may experience jaw pain or tenderness around the TMJ, and sometimes a clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw. Headaches, ranging from mild to migraine-like, are also common. Ear-related symptoms such as earaches, ear fullness, or ringing (tinnitus) often occur due to the jaw’s close anatomical relationship with the ear.
The dizziness can be disorienting and can lead to nausea or vomiting. Individuals might also notice difficulty opening or closing their jaw fully, or their teeth not fitting together correctly.
Seek medical attention if dizziness while chewing is persistent, severe, or significantly interferes with daily activities. Immediate medical care is recommended if dizziness is new, severe, and accompanied by neurological symptoms: numbness or weakness in the arms, legs, or face; trouble walking; vision changes like double vision; or slurred speech. Other concerning symptoms warranting prompt medical evaluation include sudden, severe headaches, chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures, or ongoing vomiting.
Identifying the Underlying Cause
To identify the cause of dizziness while chewing, a healthcare professional begins with a thorough medical history. This involves discussing the dizziness’s nature, occurrence, and any accompanying symptoms. It also covers past health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors.
A physical examination follows, focusing on the jaw and ears. The provider examines the TMJs for tenderness, listens for clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement, and assesses the jaw’s range of motion. They also check for inflammation or misalignment in the jaw.
Depending on initial findings, specialist referrals may be necessary. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor evaluates inner ear conditions, while a TMJ dentist assesses jaw-related issues. A neurologist may be consulted for suspected nerve or other neurological causes. Diagnostic tests may include imaging (X-rays or MRI scans) of the jaw or head to visualize structures. Balance tests, assessing vestibular system function, also provide information about the inner ear’s role.
Approaches to Treatment
Treatment for dizziness caused by chewing is tailored to the diagnosis. For temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, conservative therapies are common. Physical therapy, with gentle jaw exercises and stretches, can improve jaw function and reduce pain. Custom-fitted splints or mouthguards are often used, especially at night, to prevent teeth grinding or clenching, alleviating TMJ strain.
Pain management strategies may include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, or prescription pain relievers. Lifestyle modifications like a soft diet to rest the jaw, avoiding chewing gum or hard foods, and stress reduction techniques can also help manage TMJ symptoms and associated dizziness.
For inner ear conditions, treatments vary by diagnosis. For benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), head maneuvers, like the Epley maneuver, can reposition dislodged inner ear crystals, often providing rapid relief. Medications like antihistamines or anti-nausea drugs can manage vertigo and upset stomach. For conditions like Meniere’s disease, a low-salt diet and diuretics may be prescribed to reduce inner ear fluid buildup, potentially decreasing dizzy spells. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a type of physical therapy, involves exercises to make the balance system less sensitive to motion.
When dental issues are the cause, treatment might involve orthodontic work to correct a misaligned bite, adjustments to existing dental restorations, or new dentures to ensure proper bite alignment and reduce jaw strain. Addressing underlying tooth infections or gum disease through dental procedures is also necessary to resolve related dizziness. A multidisciplinary approach, involving dentists, physical therapists, and other medical specialists, is often employed for comprehensive care.