What might cause numbness in my upper teeth?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Numbness in the upper teeth is often caused by damage or irritation to the infraorbital nerve, which supplies sensation to the upper jaw, teeth, and mid-face. Common triggers include dental procedures, facial trauma, sinus infections, or surgeries affecting the maxillary region. In some cases, underlying conditions such as nerve compression, infection, or neurological disorders may also be responsible.

Because upper tooth numbness can stem from many possible causes—ranging from minor and temporary to more serious—it's important to identify the likely source early. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you evaluate your symptoms, narrow down potential causes, and guide your next steps toward the right care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of upper teeth numbness Learn if upper teeth numbness needs care Find out what’s causing your numbness See OTC relief for upper teeth numbness Find a doctor for teeth numbness Discover home remedies for upper teeth numbness Understand if numbness signals a serious issue

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Explanation

Numbness in the upper teeth can happen if there is a problem with the nerves in the face. One possible cause is infraorbital neuropathy, which affects the nerve that runs below the eye and can lead to numbness in the cheek and upper teeth. Another potential reason for numbness is surgical procedures. Certain surgeries, especially those involving the nose or sinuses, can sometimes impact the nerves that serve the upper teeth and lip.

If you experience numbness in your upper teeth, it is important to consider any recent surgeries or injuries to the face. You can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and guide appropriate next steps with a healthcare provider.

(References)

Schoem SR, Khan A, Wilson WR, & Laws ER. (1997). Minimizing upper lip and incisor teeth paresthesias in .... Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 9215379.
Campbell WW Jr. (1986). The numb cheek syndrome: a sign of infraorbital neuropathy. Neurology, 3951714.
Tucker HM, & Hahn JF. (1982). Transnasal, transeptal sphenoidal approach to .... The Laryngoscope, 7162296.

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