If you experience numbness or tingling in your mouth, tongue, lips, or gums, it can be quite a strange and sometimes scary experience. The good news is that oral numbness is usually nothing to worry about and can be easily treated and relieved. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of numbness in the mouth and what you can do to relieve the problem.
What are the symptoms of oral numbness?
Numbness can be described as a loss of feeling or sensation in a specific part of the body. If you sit for a long time or if you sleep on your arm, you may feel numbness in your leg. This type of numbness can usually be relieved by shaking and moving the part of the body to get the blood flowing freely to the nerves and blood vessels again. Numbness in the mouth, on the other hand, is a less common occurrence and may require further investigation or action.
Oral numbness, also known as perioral numbness, is an unusual sensation, especially if it occurs for no apparent reason. It may be felt on one side of the mouth, only on the tongue, or throughout the mouth.
Unlike hand or foot numbness, it sometimes takes a little longer to find the cause of mouth numbness and get the right treatment. For this reason, it is often important to follow up with your doctor or dentist as soon as you notice a problem.
Common causes of oral numbness
Oral numbness is often caused by irritation or pressure on the nerves in the mouth. There are several reasons, including:
Allergic reaction
If your mouth comes into contact with a food, substance, or chemical that your immune system recognizes as harmful, your body reacts. Often the first signs of an allergic reaction are swelling and tingling in the mouth. This is your body’s way of telling you to stop eating the substance that is causing the reaction.
Autoimmune diseases
There are a number of autoimmune diseases that cause the body to attack itself. It can cause widespread inflammation in any area of the body, including the mouth. If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis or lupus, see your doctor right away at the first sign of numbness in your mouth.
Infections
Viral infections such as shingles and bacterial infections such as Lyme disease can lead to nerve damage and inflammation in the mouth. If you develop numbness or paralysis of the mouth or tongue, make an appointment with your primary care physician for further evaluation. If you have recently received dental treatment, talk to your dentist first.
decay
A cavity in your tooth can also be the cause of numbness in your mouth. This happens when the nerves in the lips or mouth become slightly inflamed. You should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further nerve damage.
Vitamin or mineral imbalances
Certain vitamins, such as vitamin D and vitamin B12, are essential for maintaining healthy nerve function. If you are deficient in either or both of these vitamins, it can lead to damage and nerve damage. Conversely, oral numbness can also be caused by overexposure to vitamin B6.
Calcium deficiency can also cause tingling in the mouth and other symptoms such as muscle cramps and hyperventilation. In most cases, over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements are effective in treating these symptoms. See your doctor for further guidance if necessary.
diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which a person must carefully manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels. People with diabetes may experience a condition called hypoglycemia, in which their blood glucose levels drop too low. This can lead to numbness or tingling of the lips or tongue.
oral cancer
Cancer in the mouth and throat can affect the sensation of chewing or swallowing in the jaw. It is the most common head and neck cancer and can damage the blood vessels or nerves inside the oral cavity. Other symptoms of oral cancer include numbness in the mouth, mouth sores, a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain. If the dentist suspects oral cancer, he will refer you to a specialist for testing and diagnosis.
Drug side effects
Some medications and medical procedures can also cause numbness in the mouth or jaw. Some drugs include: alendronate, a drug for osteoporosis, certain chemotherapy drugs,
Head or neck radiation therapy, mouth, head or neck surgery
People who experience oral numbness while taking a certain drug should inform their doctor. If possible, the doctor may recommend a change in the dose of the drug or a complete change of the drug to another drug.
When should you see a doctor?
If you haven’t received dental treatment recently and experience sudden numbness in your mouth on its own or with other symptoms, such as fever, facial or muscle pain, or swelling, see your doctor for a diagnosis.
It’s rare that numbness in the mouth is caused by a serious medical condition, but if you have trouble breathing, facial drooping, or weakness in other parts of the body, you should call 911 right away. Difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, throat tightness, and hives can all be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Diagnosis of oral numbness
Because there are many potential causes of oral numbness, diagnosing the cause may take time and several different approaches. The doctor starts by asking about the person’s symptoms and reviewing their medical history. Then they will perform a complete oral examination.
To help make a diagnosis, your doctor may also order one or more of the following tests:
– blood test
– Allergy tests
– Tissue biopsy
– Neurological examination
– Medical imaging tests
Final tips for oral anesthesia management
Here are some tips for managing oral numbness:
• If the numbness in your mouth is making it difficult to talk or eat, talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.
• Take good care of your teeth to avoid dental problems that can cause numbness in your mouth.
• If you are taking medication that can cause oral numbness, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of oral numbness.
• If your oral numbness is severe or persistent, it is important to see your doctor.
Frequently asked questions about oral anesthesia
1. Can oral numbness be a sign of a serious disease?
Yes, numbness in the mouth can be a sign of a serious illness. If your numbness in your mouth is severe or persistent, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause.
2. Is oral numbness common in children?
Yes, oral numbness is also common in children. Some of the common causes of oral numbness in children are: head trauma, tooth or gum infection, autoimmune diseases and some
medicines. If your child has oral numbness, it is important to consult his or her doctor.
3. Oral numbness can be temporary or permanent?
Mouth numbness can be temporary or permanent. The cause of oral numbness determines whether the numbness will be temporary or permanent. If your oral numbness is caused by a serious illness or injury, it may be permanent. However, if your mouth’s numbness is due to a milder cause, such as a mild trauma or the use of certain medications, it may be temporary.
4. Can mouth numbness cause difficulty in speaking or eating?
Yes, mouth numbness can cause difficulty speaking or eating. If your tongue or lips are numb, you may have trouble pronouncing words or chewing food. If the numbness in your mouth is causing you trouble speaking or eating, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to manage it.
5. Can mouth numbness be prevented?
In some cases, mouth numbness can be prevented. For example, if you are at risk for certain diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, you can reduce your risk by following your doctor’s instructions. You can also reduce your risk of developing this condition by taking care of your teeth and avoiding the use of medications that can cause oral numbness.
Final advice
Numbness in the mouth may describe a complete or partial loss of sensation. Mild numbness may be accompanied by sensations such as tingling or tingling. There are many potential causes of numbness in the mouth. Examples include nutrient deficiencies, allergies, and underlying chronic diseases. If a person experiences persistent oral numbness or if the numbness is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, he should see a doctor.
