What could be causing numbness in my tongue?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Tongue numbness, also called lingual paresthesia, occurs when the nerves responsible for sensation in the tongue are disrupted. Common causes include nerve damage, allergic reactions, vitamin deficiencies (such as B12), low calcium levels, migraines, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or side effects from dental procedures or medications.

Because tongue numbness can range from a minor, temporary issue to a warning sign of a serious neurological condition, understanding the underlying cause is critical. Persistent, sudden, or worsening numbness — especially when paired with symptoms like facial drooping, difficulty speaking, or weakness — requires immediate medical attention.

Not sure what's causing your symptoms? Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes, requires no signup, and can help you decide whether to self-monitor, see a doctor, or seek urgent care — giving you clarity and confidence before your next move.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing tongue numbness today Discover if tongue numbness needs urgent care See whether tongue numbness could signal stroke Find OTC options for tongue numbness relief Find a doctor for tongue numbness Understand home remedies for tongue numbness Find out what may cause your tongue numbness

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Explanation

Numbness in the tongue might feel strange and can be caused by different things.

If tongue numbness only happens once in a while and improves without any treatment, it might be worth trying to identify if certain activities or exposures are related to the tingling. For example, eating some types of spicy food can briefly cause numbness in the tongue, but tongue numbness caused by spicy food should improve without any treatment.

If tongue numbness is persistent or worsening, possible causes may involve the brain or the nerves:

Brain-related causes: Sometimes, numbness in the tongue can happen because of problems in the brain, such as a stroke or other brain problems.
Nerve-related causes: The nerves that help you feel things on your tongue can also be affected. This might happen if there's damage or pressure on these nerves, leading to numbness.

If you're experiencing numbness in your tongue, especially if the numbness is persistent or worsening, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. You can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify possible causes based on your specific symptoms and what to do next. Remember, only a healthcare provider can give you personalized medical advice and treatment.

(References)

Shimohata M, Watanabe Y, & Tanaka H. (2014). Numbness in the tip of the tongue and lower lip caused by .... Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association, 23602113.
Sadler RM, Curran T, & Pryse-Phillips WE. (1986). Numbness of half of the tongue. The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques, 3719463.
Chen WH, Yin HL, Lui CC, & Lin HS. (2011). Isolated numbness of the tip of the tongue in hemispheric .... Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics, 21497526.

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