Published on: 5/22/2025
Could numbness on the right side of my face and jaw be related to dental issues?
Yes, numbness on the right side of your face and jaw can be related to dental issues, such as infections or nerve irritation.
Explanation
Numbness in the face and jaw can sometimes be linked to dental problems. For example, a dental infection can cause numbness in the lower lip, as shown in one study. This happens because the infection affects the nerves near the teeth.
Another study found that dental procedures might lead to temporary numbness due to irritation of the mental nerve, which is a nerve in the jaw that can get irritated during dental work.
In some cases, numbness might progress over time, affecting areas like the chin and cheek. This can be due to various reasons, including dental issues.
If you experience numbness, it could be a sign of a dental problem, and it might be a good idea to see a dentist to check it out. They can help find out what's causing the numbness and suggest the best way to treat it. However, any numbness to one side of the face should always be evaluated to rule out more dangerous causes, such as a stroke.
(References)
- Rabadi MH. (2020). Progressive lip numbness due to numb chin and cheek .... Radiology case reports, 32874399.
- Willy PJ, Brennan P, & Moore J. (2004). Temporary mental nerve paraesthesia secondary to .... British dental journal, 14739959.
- Ngeow WC. (1998). Lower lip numbness due to peri-radicular dental infection. The Medical journal of Malaysia, 10971994.
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