Tongue numbness describes a diminished sensation in the tongue. This can manifest as a tingling, prickling, or “pins and needles” feeling, or a complete loss of touch, pressure, or temperature perception. While often temporary, tongue numbness can sometimes signal an underlying issue, occurring when the nerves responsible for feeling in the tongue are affected.
Common Causes
One frequent cause of temporary tongue numbness is local anesthesia used in dental procedures. These medications work by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the treated area, including the tongue if the lower jaw or surrounding tissues are anesthetized. The effect typically subsides within a few hours.
Physical trauma or injury to the tongue can also result in numbness. This can result from accidentally biting the tongue or burns from consuming excessively hot food or liquids. Oral piercings carry a risk of nerve damage, leading to temporary or permanent numbness.
Allergic reactions are another potential cause, where the body’s immune response to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors can lead to swelling and nerve compression in the mouth. Nutritional deficiencies, especially of B vitamins like B12 and folate, can impact nerve health and manifest as numbness in the tongue. Calcium deficiency can also cause numbness in the mouth.
Certain medications may list tongue numbness as a side effect, including some antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs, which can affect nerve function. Migraines can involve sensory disturbances like numbness that may spread to one side of the face and tongue.
Less common but more serious conditions can also cause tongue numbness. Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) can lead to numbness in various parts of the body, including the tongue, due to nerve damage within the brain and spinal cord. Bell’s Palsy can also cause numbness on the affected side of the tongue and may impact taste perception. A stroke can also present with tongue numbness, often alongside other neurological symptoms.
Associated Sensations and Functional Impacts
When the tongue becomes numb, a person might experience sensations like persistent tingling, burning, or prickling. Some individuals report their tongue feeling “fat” or swollen, even if there is no visible swelling. The sense of taste can also be affected, leading to altered taste or a complete loss of taste. A metallic taste in the mouth may also accompany the numbness.
A numb tongue can interfere with daily activities. Eating and drinking become challenging, as reduced sensation makes chewing difficult, increasing the risk of biting the tongue or inner cheek. Swallowing may also be impacted, increasing the risk of choking. Additionally, inability to perceive food temperature can lead to accidental burns.
Speaking can also be affected, as precise tongue movements are crucial for clear articulation, and numbness can result in slurred speech (dysarthria). Oral hygiene may become more difficult, impacting proper cleaning.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While tongue numbness is often temporary, certain circumstances warrant medical evaluation. Seek immediate emergency medical care if tongue numbness occurs suddenly with other symptoms like sudden weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden severe headache, or vision changes. These symptoms can indicate a stroke, requiring urgent medical intervention.
Medical attention is also advised if the numbness persists longer than expected, especially after dental work where sensation should return within hours. If tongue numbness appears without a clear explanation or progressively worsens over time, consult a healthcare professional. This includes any instance where the numbness spreads to other areas of the face or body.
If tongue numbness is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as unexplained pain, significant swelling, a rash, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice. This could indicate a severe allergic reaction or other serious conditions. Individuals with known medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases should consult their doctor if they experience new or worsening tongue numbness. For non-emergency but persistent or concerning cases, consult a general practitioner or a dentist.