Can TMJ Cause Dizziness and Headaches?

Woman sitting on a couch with her hands on her temples, eyes closed in discomfort.

Jaw discomfort is just one piece of the puzzle—many people experience symptoms that initially seem unrelated. TMJ disorders can lead to dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus, making it more complex than many realize.

When you experience frequent tension in your head or unexplained issues with balance or focus, your oral health could be contributing more than you think. 

These symptoms may not immediately point to a jaw-related condition, but understanding the connection can be the first step toward achieving lasting relief.

Understanding TMJ & Symptoms

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, letting you speak, chew, and yawn. However, when this joint is inflamed or dysfunctional, it can lead to TMJ disorders (TMD). 

The symptoms of TMJ often extend beyond the jaw, affecting various parts of your body, including your head, face, ears, and neck.

Key symptoms of TMJ include:

  • Discomfort or tenderness in the jaw
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or speaking
  • Headaches that resemble migraines
  • Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
  • Earaches, tinnitus, or a feeling of fullness in the ears

These symptoms may vary in intensity and frequency, sometimes flaring up due to stress, jaw clenching, or poor posture. Even small habits like resting your chin on your hand or chewing gum excessively can worsen TMJ discomfort over time.

Why Does TMJ Cause Dizziness?

The jaw joints are located near the ear, close to structures responsible for balance, such as the inner ear. When the joint becomes inflamed, it can affect these balance-regulating systems, leading to dizziness or vertigo in some patients. 

Sometimes, the dizziness may be intermittent and triggered by jaw movement, head position, or even chewing. Keeping a symptom diary can help your provider determine how TMJ problems affect your balance.

TMJ-Induced Headaches

TMJ-related headaches are often overlooked but are incredibly common. You may experience a tension headache, like a tight band around your forehead, or feel tightness in your facial or jaw muscles.

TMD headaches occur when the muscles surrounding the jaw and neck become tense or strained due to joint dysfunction, causing discomfort to radiate into the temples, forehead, or base of the skull.

Unlike typical headaches, TMJ headaches may feel worse in the morning if nighttime clenching is a contributing factor. Your healthcare provider may recommend a night guard or stress management techniques as part of your TMD treatment plan.

What Is Botox & How Does It Work for TMD

Living with TMJ can affect your quality of life, but treatment options are available to help manage your symptoms. 

While Botox injections are known as a cosmetic treatment for reducing wrinkles, the treatment is also Health Canada-approved for the relief of migraines and is widely used to manage TMJ disorders effectively.

Botox works by relaxing the muscles around the jaw, helping to:

  • Reduce tension & discomfort
  • Minimize jaw clenching & bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Alleviate TMJ-induced headaches
  • Diminish pressure on surrounding structures, including the inner ear, potentially reducing dizziness
  • Improve range of motion in the jaw, making everyday tasks easier

Benefits of Botox for TMJ Disorders

Here are some of the benefits of Botox for TMJ disorders:

  • Immediate relief within days of the first treatment
  • Minimally invasive with quick treatment time & no downtime
  • Targeted approach to provide a localized solution for relief
  • Improved quality of life with fewer headaches, less jaw discomfort, & improved balance

What to Expect During Botox TMJ Treatment

If you’re considering Botox for TMD, here’s a brief overview of the process at Markham Dental.

Consultation

During your first visit, our team will assess your symptoms, discuss treatment goals, and create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.

Procedure

An injection treatment typically takes 10–30 minutes to complete. Our dentist will carefully inject Botox into specific areas around your jaw, temples, and neck to target problem muscles.

Recovery

There’s no downtime after the procedure. You can resume normal activities immediately, although you may experience mild swelling at the injection sites, which typically subsides within 1–2 days.

Avoid vigorous exercise, drinking alcohol, and rubbing or applying pressure to or around the injection site for at least 24 hours to help minimize bruising and prevent the spread to other areas.

Follow-Up Care

Botox effects generally last several months, so regular follow-up appointments help support ongoing relief.

Woman sitting on a couch holding her jaw with a concerned expression.

Why Choose Markham Dental for TMJ Treatment?

At Markham Dental, we understand the impact of TMJ-related symptoms on your daily life. With years of experience in TMD treatment and a focus on progressive, noninvasive approaches, we prioritize providing solutions that work for you.

Here’s why patients trust us for TMJ care:

  • A dedicated team of qualified professionals who prioritize your comfort
  • Modern technology to support precise diagnosis & treatment planning
  • Comprehensive aftercare to promote long-lasting results
  • Convenient appointment options, including evenings & Saturdays

Taking the Next Steps

When TMJ symptoms are interfering with your daily life, our team can help you explore treatment options that can bring real relief. Botox has helped change how we manage TMJ, offering a minimally invasive solution to alleviate discomfort, reduce dizziness, and reduce headaches.

At Markham Dental, we're committed to helping you find comfort and a reason to smile. Book an appointment today to learn how Botox could be part of your personalized TMJ treatment plan.