Causes of Tongue Numbness
Tongue numbness is a condition that occurs frequently and persistently in some individuals, leading to a diminished ability to taste and sense the flavors and temperatures of food. This can result in unintentional burns if hot food or drink is consumed without awareness of its temperature. Tongue numbness may manifest as a symptom indicating the presence of an underlying health issue, which can be categorized as follows:
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: This condition begins with a persistent sensation of dry mouth and throat, accompanied by a metallic taste, even in the absence of food consumption. Over time, it may develop into numbness and tingling in the tongue, which can feel like a prickling sensation across its entire surface.
- Lingual Nerve Damage: The lingual nerve facilitates the delivery of sensory information from the mouth to the brain, and any impairment or damage to this nerve can lead to complete numbness in the tongue. Such damage often arises from dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction or harm to the roots of teeth.
- Stroke: Severe strokes can lead to persistent numbness in the tongue, lips, and jaw muscles. In worsening cases, this numbness can progress to paralysis of the mouth and lips due to significant damage to the nerves controlling these areas.
- Facial Fractures: Certain fractures in the facial structure, particularly in the jawbones, may inadvertently compress the lingual nerve, causing noticeable weakness and numbness in tongue movement.
- Oral Tumors: The presence of benign or malignant tumors in the mouth region can significantly impact the tongue, especially if they are located near the tongue or its supplying nerve. In such cases, numbness may occur, and advanced stages can involve a heavy sensation in the tongue and difficulty in controlling its movements.
- Low Vitamin B12 Levels: Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining nerve health and functionality. A deficiency in this vitamin can disrupt nerve function, often presenting as persistent and noticeable numbness in the tongue.
Video: What Causes Tongue Numbness?
This condition may also be accompanied by a loss of sensation and occasional tingling. What exactly causes tongue numbness?