What might cause numbness on my left cheek?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Numbness in the cheek is most often caused by nerve-related issues, such as trigeminal nerve irritation, dental problems, sinus infections, or injury. In rare cases, it may be linked to more serious conditions, including tumors or cancer affecting the facial nerves. Because the underlying causes vary widely, seeing a doctor is essential to identify the source and guide treatment.

If you're experiencing cheek numbness and want a faster way to understand what could be behind it, a free, instant, online symptom check can help. In just a few minutes, you'll receive personalized insights based on your symptoms—empowering you to have a more informed conversation with your doctor and take confident next steps toward relief.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what causes left cheek numbness See if your left cheek numbness needs care Discover whether left cheek numbness is serious Find OTC options for facial numbness Find a doctor for facial numbness Understand home remedies for cheek numbness Find likely causes of cheek numbness

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Numbness on the cheek can be concerning and may have different causes. One possible reason is a problem with the infraorbital nerve, which can lead to what is called "numb cheek syndrome." This condition can occur when there's an issue with the nerve that affects feeling in the cheek area.

In some cases, numbness in the cheek might be a sign of something more serious. For instance, there has been a report of numb cheek syndrome related to breast cancer, though this is rare.

Another condition related to cheek numbness is the "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome, where both the cheek and the lower eyelid are affected.

If you experience numbness in your cheek, it's important to see a healthcare professional. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment to better understand your condition before your appointment.

(References)

Tan Z, & Tan SY. (2024). Numb cheek syndrome in breast cancer: a case report. Frontiers in oncology, 38529381.
Campbell WW Jr. (1986). The numb cheek syndrome: a sign of infraorbital neuropathy. Neurology, 3951714.
Brazis PW, Vogler JB, & Shaw KE. (1991). The "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome. Neurology, 1992387.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.