What are potential causes of numbness in my upper lip?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Numbness in the upper lip is often caused by nerve damage or irritation. Common causes include facial injuries, dental procedures, allergic reactions, vitamin B12 deficiency, migraines, and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Bell's palsy. In some cases, post-COVID-19 symptoms have also been linked to facial numbness due to lingering effects on the nervous system.

Because upper lip numbness can stem from a wide range of conditions—some minor, others requiring prompt medical attention—identifying the underlying cause is essential. Rather than guessing or waiting to see if symptoms resolve, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, AI-powered symptom check. It's confidential, doctor-developed, and can help you understand possible causes and decide your best next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of upper lip numbness Learn if lip numbness needs care Find out what’s causing your numbness See OTC options for upper lip numbness Find a doctor for numbness evaluation Understand home remedies for lip numbness Check if numbness could be serious

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Explanation

Numbness in the upper lip can happen for different reasons. One reason could be nerve damage. The infraorbital nerve, which affects the upper lip, can get hurt in accidents or injuries. This is called an avulsion injury, and sometimes people get feeling back after a while.

Another reason is related to health conditions. For example, some people have reported numbness in their upper lip after having COVID-19. This is known as post-COVID-19 upper lip numbness.

There are also syndromes like the "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome that can cause numbness in the face, including the upper lip. Each cause can have different treatments, so if you're experiencing upper lip numbness or other concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms with a free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing them before speaking with a doctor.

(References)

Brazis PW, Vogler JB, & Shaw KE. (1991). The "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome. Neurology, 1992387.
Im SMS, & Saranza G. (2024). Post-COVID-19 Unilateral Upper Lip Numbness: A Case .... Acta medica Philippina, 38966614.
Lee SY, Kim SH, Hwang JH, & Kim KS. (2020). Sensory recovery after infraorbital nerve avulsion injury. Archives of craniofacial surgery, 32867414.

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