What could be the reason for numbness in the left side of my jaw?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Left-sided jaw numbness may result from nerve-related conditions such as acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor on the nerve connecting the ear and brain) or trigeminal neuropathies, which disrupt the trigeminal nerve responsible for facial sensation. Dental issues, injury, infections, or vascular problems can also contribute. Because jaw numbness can signal underlying nerve damage or, in rare cases, a serious event like a stroke, identifying the cause early is essential.

If you're experiencing this symptom, don't guess or wait. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand possible causes tailored to your situation, learn which specialist to see, and confidently plan your next steps—all in just a few minutes, from the privacy of your home.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing left jaw numbness Discover if your jaw numbness is urgent See if left-sided jaw tingling needs care Find OTC relief for jaw numbness Find a doctor for jaw numbness Understand home remedies for jaw numbness Find likely causes of your jaw numbness

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Numbness in the jaw can happen for several reasons, often related to nerve issues. One possible cause is an acoustic neuroma, which is a growth that can press on nearby nerves, leading to numbness or a toothache-like feeling.

Another cause could be trigeminal neuropathies, which affect the trigeminal nerve responsible for sensation in the face. This condition can start with numbness in the face, including the jaw.

In some cases, numbness can resolve with specific medical interventions. If you're experiencing jaw numbness and want to better understand what might be causing it, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and guide your next steps in seeking proper care.

(References)

Lam R. (2016). Acoustic neuroma manifesting as toothache and numbness. Australian dental journal, 25625716.
Varela H, & Rubin DI. (2009). Facial and trigeminal neuropathies as the initial .... Journal of clinical neuromuscular disease, 19494731.
Francois EL, Clark NJ, & Freedman BA. (2019). Facial Numbness and Paresthesias Resolved with Anterior .... JBJS case connector, 31274646.

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.