Numb lips can be caused by stress, anxiety, certain medications, migraines, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Although it is not always linked to serious conditions, numb lips may sometimes be a sign of a neurological problem (like a stroke), hypoglycemia, or food allergies, which require urgent medical attention.
Treatment for numb lips depends on the underlying cause, and a doctor may recommend home remedies or specific medications to help relieve symptoms.
If you experience numb lips frequently, or if the numbness occurs with other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for further assessment and diagnosis so that the most appropriate treatment can be started.
Main causes of numb lips
Numb lips may be a sign of:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause numb lips or tongue numbness, especially when blood pressure rises suddenly. This may occur due to stress, the use of some medications, or illicit drug use. Other symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, headache, and neck pain. Read more about symptoms of high blood pressure that you should not ignore.
What to do: To lower blood pressure, it is important to rest and take prescribed high blood pressure medications. Blood pressure should be checked regularly, and very high readings should be assessed urgently.
Also recommended: High Blood Pressure Diet: What to Eat & Avoid (& Meal Plan) tuasaude.com/en/high-blood-pressure-diet2. Stroke
Numb lips or tongue tingling can occur as a result of a stroke. Other symptoms of a stroke include severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty lifting an arm, vision changes, asymmetric face, slurred speech, confusion, nausea, or vomiting.
What to do: If you suspect a stroke, call for an ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately.
3. Food allergy
Food allergies can cause tingling, numbness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth. Other signs include canker sores, throat discomfort, skin redness, itching, and digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Severe allergies may cause difficulty breathing.
What to do: Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or bronchodilators. Severe cases require urgent adrenaline injection (e.g., EpiPen). Identifying and avoiding the food trigger is essential.
4. Stress and anxiety
Severe stress or anxiety attacks can trigger tingling or numb lips, which may increase feelings of panic. Other symptoms include stomach ache, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, and muscle tension.
What to do: Seek medical or psychological help. Treatment may include therapy, natural remedies, or medication in more severe cases. Read more about herbs for anxiety that can be taken to help reduce stress and tension naturally-
5. Nerve damage
Numb lips can occur after dental procedures or oral anesthesia that affect the lingual or inferior alveolar nerves.
What to do: This type of numbness usually resolves within a few weeks. If it persists, consult your dentist.
6. Cold sores
Cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus can lead to numb lips, along with pain, tingling, or itching.
What to do: See a doctor for diagnosis. Cold sores are usually treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, prescribed in ointment or oral form.
7. Hypocalcemia
Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can cause numb lips, mouth tingling, and muscle spasms. It may result from vitamin D deficiency, parathyroid problems, kidney disease, alcoholism, or certain medications.
What to do: Treatment depends on severity. Severe cases may require IV calcium in the hospital, while mild cases can be managed with dietary calcium, supplements, or treatment of the underlying condition.
8. B-complex vitamin deficiency
Vitamin B deficiency can cause fatigue, irritability, headaches, and numb lips or tongue tingling. It may result from poor diet or medications that interfere with absorption.
Learn more about symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
What to do: Increase B-vitamin intake through food or supplements. Severe deficiencies may need prescription treatment.
9. Medication side-effect
Medications like mouth gargles, throat lozenges, or dental anesthetics can cause temporary numb lips or mouth tingling.
What to do: If symptoms are bothersome, stop using the product and consult your doctor. Numbness usually resolves on its own.
10. Migraines
Migraines can cause intense headaches, along with tingling in the lips, tongue, or arms, as well as nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Check-out the most common symptoms of migraines and how they can present.
What to do: Neurologists may prescribe anti-inflammatories, triptans, or ergotamine for migraine treatment. Natural remedies for migraines can also complement medical care.
11. Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause numb lips, tongue tingling, tremors, weakness, and blurry vision.
What to do: Consume 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates (like honey) and recheck blood sugar after 15 minutes. If still low, seek urgent care.
12. Burn
Eating or drinking something very hot can burn the mouth, leading to numb lips, redness, pain, and sensitivity loss.
What to do: Soothe the area with cold foods, ice cream, or cough lozenges. Severe burns with bleeding should be assessed by a doctor.
13. Burning mouth syndrome
This condition causes a burning sensation in the mouth and may lead to numb lips, tingling, or taste changes.
What to do: See a dentist or ENT specialist for diagnosis. Treatment may include a mouth guard for bruxism or medication for reflux or diabetes.
14. Facial paralysis
Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis) can cause numb lips or mild tongue numbness, along with drooping on one side of the face.
What to do: Treatment may involve facial exercises, medication, or, in rare cases, surgery.