A numb mouth is described as a loss of sensation or feeling in the mouth. The general medical term describing a tingling, burning, or no sensation in any part of the body known as paraesthesia. Therefore, the scientific term for a numb mouth is paraesthesia of the mouth. Numbness occurs when there is either neural or vascular damage. Oral numbness rarely happens, but if it does, here are the likely causes.



Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin B 12, also known as thiamine, is an essential vitamin used in the nerve signal transduction. Vitamin B 12 plays an important role in the provision of energy necessary for nerve signal transmission. Additionally, vitamin B 12 is an important constituent of the red blood cells responsible for tissue oxygenation. Deficiency in vitamin B 12 and folic acid may manifest as a burning or tingling sensation in the body, particularly the mouth. Severe vitamin B 12 deficiency can also cause mouth ulcers.



Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction in the mouth manifests as inflammation of the tongue, lips, and gums. Oral allergy syndrome, also known as protein fruit allergy syndrome, is a type of allergic reaction to pollen, vegetables, or fruits. Chronic inflammation of the oral cavity will cause nerve damage due to the pressure impacted on the nervous tissue by the surrounding inflamed tissue. Additionally, inflamed tissue reduces perfusion to the oral cavity, which leads to loss of sensation. Consequently, an individual experiences numbness in the mouth.



Bites and Burns

Burns are linked to nervous tissue destruction leading to a numb mouth. Eating food that is too hot or too spicy will lead to paraesthesia of the oral cavity. In addition, biting your lips, tongue, or the side of the mouth is characterized by a feeling of transient pain followed by a loss of sensation.



Hypocalcemia

Calcium is an essential element in the human body. It plays a role in muscle contraction and nervous signal transduction. When an individual lacks calcium in their body, the musculature is greatly affected. This may present as numbness in the mouth. The condition is worsened if hypocalcemia is coupled with vitamin D deficiency or surgical removal of the parathyroid gland.



Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a serious complication that could be fatal, especially in diabetic individuals. Glucose is the primary energy source in the brain. Therefore, low blood sugar levels will lead to a numb mouth, which is among the first indicator of hypoglycemia. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include hunger, anxiety, irritability, and chills. Hypoglycemia is easily corrected by taking a sugary drink or eating a meal.



Nerve-Related Paraesthesia

The alveolar nerve that is commonly manipulated in dental treatments and surgery is one of the leading causes of oral paraesthesia. During dental procedures like tooth extractions or root canals, an anesthetic agent is normally used. In the recovery phase of anesthesia, a patient experiences numbness in the tongue, lips, and gums. In some instances, nerve paraesthesia may be psychogenic, where a patient complains of loss of sensation in the mouth. This is seen in patients with anxiety disorders, and the tongue paraesthesia is the most common complaint.



Oral Cancer

Cancer is a disease characterized by excessive proliferation of cancerous cells. Oral cancer presents as chronic inflammation of the oral cavity, which may cause damage to the blood vessel or the nerves supplying it. This may manifest as numbness in the mouth.



Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease that affects the neurons found in the central nervous system. MS may cause numbness in the face, mouth, and other areas in the body.



Seizures and Stroke

An epileptic patient during an epileptic attack will present with repeated twitching of the arms and legs. Additionally, the patient may gnaw and bite their lips and tongue, which will lead to loss of sensation in the mouth once the attack wears off. Depending on the brain region affected during a stroke, neuronal damage may present as a numb mouth.



Medications

The use of certain medications like bisphosphonate therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and anesthetic agents, will cause a numb mouth.



If you are experiencing a numb mouth, the best option is to visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for a dental check-up. During your dental checkup, a treatment plan will be established. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.