I Have Numbness in My Face or Upper Teeth
Numbness in the face or upper teeth can be puzzling. Here is what it might mean.
Numbness in the face or upper teeth is a symptom that always needs evaluation. Unlike pain, numbness suggests that a nerve is being affected.
- Common causes include:
- Dental issues β a dental infection or abscess can press on a nerve
- Sinus infection β severe sinusitis can cause numbness in the cheek and upper teeth
- Dental anesthesia β numbness after dental work that has not fully worn off
- Trigeminal nerve injury β from trauma, dental surgery, or a viral infection
- Multiple sclerosis β facial numbness can be an early symptom
- Vitamin B12 deficiency β can cause nerve symptoms
- Sinus or nasal tumor β a growth pressing on the nerves in the face
- Oral or maxillary cancer β a tumor invading the maxillary bone or nerve
Persistent facial numbness β especially on one side β without a clear dental or sinus cause should be investigated thoroughly.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Numbness that appeared after dental work and is fading
- Numbness with a sinus infection that improves with treatment
- Comes and goes
- Affects both sides
- Worth having checked:
- Persistent numbness on one side of the face
- Numbness in the upper teeth that has no dental explanation
- Numbness accompanied by swelling, a lump, or pain
- Numbness that is spreading
- Accompanied by one-sided nasal congestion or nosebleeds
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor or neurologist if:
- Numbness in your face or upper teeth lasts more than 2 weeks with no clear cause
- The numbness is on one side only
- You have a sinus infection that will not go away with treatment
- You have a lump or swelling in your cheek or palate
- You have changes in your vision or sense of smell