Why does tongue feel numb

Low calcium hypocalcemia can lead to tingling around the mouth that can feel very similar to tongue numbness.

Allergic reaction : Foods and medications can cause an allergic reaction that can cause your tongue to swell and feel numb. Systemic disease causes: Central Nervous System: Numbness of the tongue or around the month can often be the signaling symptom of central nervous system conditions such as imminent migraines or strokes. Metabolic: Dysfunction in the processes that your body uses day-to-day, for example glucose regulation hypoglycemia , can also affect the way your nerves function causing numbness and tingling in the tongue, the mouth and other body parts.

Vascular: Conditions that result in constriction of the blood vessels in the tongue can lead to tongue numbness because the tongue is not receiving the blood flow that it needs.

A mini stroke or or transient ischemic attack can cause similar symptoms. This is usually sudden and worsens over the course of 48 hours. Treating a numb, tingling tongue Tongue numbness is a symptom that necessitates prompt follow-up with your doctor.

While you wait for you appointment, try these at home remedies in order to combat your tongue numbness symptoms: Balanced diet rich in essential vitamins to keep the nerves healthy: Fruits, vegetables, grains and lean proteins can provide your body with the nutrition necessary to keep your nerves healthy. Regular exercise: Maintaining an optimal weight with exercise as well as a balanced diet can prevent and also control metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes that can cause your tongue numbness symptoms.

Avoid foods that may trigger an allergic reaction: Take note of foods that seem related to your symptoms. Common foods that trigger allergies include nuts, fish and wheat. Some people are allergic to common fruits and vegetables such as melons or peaches.

Depending on the cause of your tongue numbness symptoms, your doctor may first suggest the following treatment options. Supplementation: If your symptoms are due to vitamin or mineral imbalance, your doctor may prescribe supplements that you can take to help your body get back on track. Medications to dilate blood vessels: Medications can widen narrowed blood vessels by dilating them. Migraine medication: If your tongue numbness has been a signal for imminent migraines, your doctor can prescribe medication to give you relief from your headaches.

Questions your doctor may ask about tongue numbness Where in your mouth are you numb? Does your throat feel itchy or irritated? Do you have a rash? Relax your face. Have someone else tap the corner of your mouth. Does your lip or face twitch with each tap? Hear what 1 other is saying. Submit story. Request sent successfully. An error occurred, please try again later.

Numb tongue Posted June 2, by S. My tongue has gone numb several times in the past few years. It lasts approximately 60 to 90 seconds. Copied to clipboard Close Icon. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In , Dr.

This is an obvious one really, but worth mentioning as sometimes it can take a bit of time to heal and you may not remember having hurt yourself. If you are someone who grinds your teeth, this can also cause pain on the edges of your tongue. Oral thrush can make your tongue appear patchy and cause a thick white coating to form on its surface. Thrush is a yeast infection and is more often seen in babies, older adults and people with a compromised immune system.

Having a course of antibiotics can lead to the development of thrush in the weeks that follow, which can be a downright pain after just overcoming whatever condition had you needing antibiotics in the first place! Oral thrush may be painful so it is a good idea to speak to your doctor or dentist to confirm that is what is happening for you and get some treatment recommendations.

For some people, certain foods will irritate the tongue and cause an itchy feeling inside their mouth. Taste buds may swell and white or red bumps may appear. It can occur in any area of the mouth, including the tongue…. The tongue is a sensitive and complex muscle, but it can hurt for a wide variety of reasons. This Knowledge Center article explains a number of common…. A feeling of tingling in the feet or hands can have a variety of causes. Many are related to peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage, but others include….

People with scalloped tongue have tongues with indented, rippled, or scalloped edges. Learn about the causes and when to see a doctor. Why is my tongue tingling? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M.

Overview Causes of a tingling tongue When to see a doctor Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest Tingling or numbness in the tongue can be caused by a number of different conditions. Causes of a tingling tongue.

Share on Pinterest Tongue tingling is a potential symptom of oral allergy syndrome, which can be caused by certain fruits. Share on Pinterest A stroke may cause numbness or tingling on one side of the face, including the tongue. When to see a doctor. Dentistry Stroke Ear, Nose, and Throat. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.

Medical Myths: All about lung cancer. Cancer research: Are we over-relying on genetic links? Related Coverage. What you should know about yellow tongue. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What is burning mouth syndrome? Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved.

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Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Top Articles. Abnormal Sensation vs. Lost Sensation Oral paresthesia refers to an abnormal sensation in the mouth. Possible Causes of Numbness in the Mouth Whether you feel strange sensations in your mouth or you've lost the ability to feel inside your mouth at all, there are many possible causes, including oral conditions and conditions that affect the whole body.

Hypocalcemia : Hypocalcemia, a low level of calcium in the blood, can cause numbness around the mouth or in other parts of the body, reports the Cleveland Clinic.