Why Does My Tongue Feel Numb?

Question: My tongue feels numb sometimes, and I’m not sure what’s causing it. Why does this tongue numbness occur?

Tongue numbness is an odd sensation that can be quite alarming. However, there are many causes of tongue numbness. If you feel a numbness in your tongue, it’s important to consult a dentist or doctor immediately to discover the cause, as some causes can be quite serious.

Tongue numbness, or paresthesia of the tongue in medical terms, is most often caused by nerve damage. Nerve damage that affects the tongue can happen either in the mouth or the brain. Common causes of nerve damage to the tongue are errors in dental procedures like wisdom tooth extractions, root canals, or implants.

In addition to nerve damage, allergic reactions to certain foods can also cause tongue numbness. Some antibiotics will also cause the tongue to blister, and then feel numb. Pregnant women may also experience tongue numbness, as it is not unusual for women to develop allergies during pregnancy. These allergies can cause numbness, tingling, or swelling in the tongue. Multiple sclerosis and burning mouth syndrome can also cause paresthesia.

If you’re experiencing tongue numbness, consult your dentist or doctor right away. They will be able to help pinpoint the cause of the tongue numbness and aid with a diagnosis and any potential treatment.