The sensation of your tongue going numb or tingling while eating can be a perplexing experience. This feeling, known as paresthesia, can range from a mild prickling to a complete loss of sensation. While it can be concerning, it often stems from explanations that are generally benign.
Direct Food Interactions and Allergic Responses
One common reason for tongue numbness is a direct interaction with certain foods or an allergic reaction. Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies specific proteins in food as harmful, releasing chemicals like histamine that cause symptoms, including tingling or numbness on the tongue. Common food allergens that can trigger these sensations include:
Fruits: Apples, peaches, cherries, melons, bananas
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, cucumbers
Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts
Spices: Cinnamon, coriander
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, frequently causes oral symptoms. OAS occurs when individuals with pollen allergies react to certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts because these foods contain proteins similar to those found in pollen. For instance, a birch pollen allergy might cause symptoms after eating apples, carrots, or celery. Symptoms of OAS are typically mild and localized to the mouth, lips, and throat, often involving itching or tingling. Cooking these foods often breaks down the allergenic proteins, making them safe to consume for those with OAS.
Beyond allergic responses, certain food properties can directly irritate the tongue, leading to temporary numbness. Very acidic foods, such as pineapple or citrus fruits, can cause a transient numbing or tingling sensation. Similarly, extremely spicy foods, particularly those containing capsaicin, can induce a numbing or “buzzing” feeling. This sensation is distinct from taste and is a result of capsaicin activating pain receptors. Consuming foods or drinks at extreme temperatures, whether very hot or very cold, can also temporarily reduce sensation on the tongue, including from minor burns.
Nerve-Related and Systemic Factors
Less commonly, tongue numbness can arise from underlying systemic conditions or nerve-related issues. One such cause is a nutritional deficiency, particularly a lack of Vitamin B12. This vitamin is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. A deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation in various body parts, which can sometimes affect the tongue. Other oral symptoms of B12 deficiency may include a sore or red tongue and mouth ulcers.
Certain medications can also cause altered sensations, including numbness or tingling in the mouth or tongue, as a side effect. These can include some antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and certain antidepressants. If you start a new medication and experience unusual oral sensations, consult a healthcare professional.
In rare instances, damage or compression of nerves supplying the tongue can result in numbness. For example, dental procedures, especially injections near the lingual nerve, can lead to temporary or persistent tongue numbness due to nerve injury or anesthetic effects. Other causes of nerve damage affecting the tongue include jaw fractures or facial injuries.
Periods of intense anxiety or hyperventilation can also induce tingling or numbness, including in the tongue. Rapid, shallow breathing during anxiety can reduce carbon dioxide levels in the blood, a condition known as respiratory alkalosis. This change in blood chemistry can affect nerve function, causing numbness or tingling in the extremities and around the mouth. The body’s fight-or-flight response can also redirect blood flow, potentially causing reduced sensation in certain areas.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While tongue numbness when eating often has benign explanations, it is important to recognize when the symptom warrants professional medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if the numbness is persistent, worsens over time, or occurs regularly without an obvious trigger, such as a known food irritant or allergy.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if tongue numbness is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These “red flag” signs may include weakness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, facial drooping, sudden severe headache, or numbness spreading to other body parts. Such symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate assessment.
If tongue numbness significantly interferes with daily activities like eating, speaking, or overall quality of life, professional guidance is recommended. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may involve blood tests or other diagnostic procedures, to determine the cause. While many causes are temporary or easily managed, a professional diagnosis is necessary to rule out more serious conditions and ensure appropriate management and treatment.