What could cause numbness on the left side of my face and jaw?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Numbness on the left side of the face and jaw is often linked to two main causes: reduced blood flow through the neck's arteries or irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which controls facial sensation. While some cases are benign, facial numbness can also signal a serious medical emergency. Seek immediate care if numbness occurs alongside chest tightness, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, weakness, slurred speech, or drooping on one side of the face—these may indicate a stroke or heart-related event.

Because facial numbness has many possible causes—ranging from dental issues and nerve compression to circulation problems—identifying the underlying reason is essential for effective treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms, learn which conditions may be involved, and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what left face-jaw numbness could mean Discover if your face numbness needs care See if left jaw numbness needs urgent care Find OTC options for face numbness relief Find a doctor for facial numbness evaluation Understand home remedies for jaw numbness Find likely causes of left facial numbness

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Explanation

Numbness on the left side of the face and jaw can result from different causes. One potential cause is a problem with the blood flow to the neck and face, which can lead to numbness or a tingling sensation. Another cause could be related to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. Occasionally, surgeries or dental procedures that impact nerves in the face can lead to numbness or tingling sensations.

Possible Causes:

Problem With Blood Flow To The Neck And Face: A sudden, severe problem with blood flow to the neck and face leading to numbness can be caused by a stroke or heart attack.
Trigeminal Nerve Dysfunction: This nerve affects feeling in the face, and damage or pressure on it can lead to numbness. The trigeminal nerve can occasionally be impacted by certain types of surgeries or dental procedures.

If you experience numbness on the left side of the face and jaw, you can start by using a free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes, then discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional who can help determine the appropriate treatment. If other symptoms (including chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and feeling lightheaded or weak) occur around the same time as these numbness or tingling sensations in the jaw or face, it is important to seek emergency medical care.

(References)

Francis KR, Williams DP, & Troost BT. (1987). Facial numbness and dysesthesia. New features of carotid .... Archives of neurology, 3827688.
Francois EL, Clark NJ, & Freedman BA. (2019). Facial Numbness and Paresthesias Resolved with Anterior .... JBJS case connector, 31274646.
Matsuda S, Nagano O, Serizawa T, Higuchi Y, & Ono J. (2010). Trigeminal nerve dysfunction after Gamma Knife surgery .... Journal of neurosurgery, 21121801.

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