Why Your Front Teeth Feel Numb
Our teeth play an important role in our ability to speak, eat, and smile. It can be very concerning if your front teeth feel numb and not know why. This phenomenon, often characterized by a loss of sensation or a tingling feeling, can arise from a variety of underlying causes. The sensation of numbness can cause discomfort and make it difficult for your mouth to function properly.
Understanding these potential causes is crucial for addressing the discomfort and ensuring proper dental health. In this article, we will explore the common reasons why your front teeth may feel numb, helping you identify possible issues and seek appropriate treatment.
Table of Contents
Why Do My Teeth Feel Numb?
The sensation of being numb can be described as a slight tingly feeling to the absence of feeling anything at all. When the front teeth feel numb, it can interfere with daily activities such as eating and speaking. It can also cause you to accidentally bite your lip, tongue, or cheek.
Finding out the cause of why your front teeth feel numb can help find fast relief and prevent future damage to your smile.
Reasons Why Your Front Teeth Feel Numb
Everyone’s smile is unique. The cause of why your front teeth feel numb can vary. There are several reasons why you may be feeling this sensation. Understanding these potential causes is essential for addressing the discomfort effectively and maintaining optimal oral health.
Possible answers to the question ‘Why do my teeth feel numb?’ can be found below.
1. Cold Temperatures
Exposure to the cold can cause your front teeth to become tingly, leading to them turning numb. This could be caused by drinking cold temperatures, eating a frozen treat, or even breathing in cold air.
Cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels in the teeth to constrict, reducing the blood flow to the area. The change in the blood flow to the front teeth can be why your front teeth feel numb.
This type of numbness is typically temporary and should resolve on its own within a few minutes. Try avoiding cold beverages or start drinking through a straw to bypass the front teeth.
For more causes of front teeth sensitivity to temperatures, check out our article Why Are My Front Teeth Sensitive.
2. Sinus Issues
Everyone has multiple sinuses that are located around the nose. Certain sinuses lay right above the roots of the top teeth. Pressure in the sinuses can affect the feeling of the teeth.
Changes in the pressure of the sinuses or a sinus infection can cause the front teeth to be numb. This is because the infection can cause swelling and pressure in the sinuses, which can put pressure on the nerves that supply sensation to the front teeth.
If your front teeth feel numb because of changes in your sinuses, then this feeling is temporary. Contact your doctor or dentist today if you feel like you have a sinus infection to find fast relief.
3. Recent Dental Work
Dental work, such as a filling or a root canal, can cause the front teeth to be numb. Any dental work can stress out the tooth and the nerves and ligaments that support it. This is because the procedure can damage or irritate the nerves in the teeth, leading to numbness.
Over time, the teeth and the supporting nerves and ligaments will heal and become less stressed. The numb feeling is temporary and will go away over time. If any pain or numbness increases for a couple of weeks, follow up with your dentist.
4. Trauma
Trauma to the face or mouth, such as from a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident, can cause the front teeth to be numb. Trauma can impact the blood vessels that support the teeth and cause possible bruising in the area. The impact of the trauma can also damage the nerves that supply sensation to the teeth, leading to numbness.
High impact to the mouth and teeth can cause permanent nerve damage. In this case, root canals or other dental treatments may be needed. Nerve damage to the teeth can happen slowly over time and may not occur immediately after the incident.
5. Infections
Dental infections can be caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth, untreated cavities, or trauma to the face. A tooth infection can spread, affecting the nerves and blood vessels that support the teeth. Why do my teeth feel numb? A dental infection can be compromising your mouth.
Around 13% of adults have reported having a dental infection due to a cavity. If left untreated, infections in the mouth can be fatal. It’s important to see your dentist right away if you believe you have a dental infection.
6. Clenching and Grinding
Continual pressure caused by clenching and grinding can cause the teeth to be stressed. The powerful facial muscles putting force on the teeth can be why your front teeth feel numb. The pressure can cause inflammation of the nerves, ligaments, and blood vessels that support the teeth.
Once the mouth relaxes and the clenching and grinding stops, the teeth will regain feeling and heal. If this is a constant habit, a night guard can help relax the teeth and muscles.
For additional information, check out our articles below.
7. Vitamin Deficiency
Poor overall nutrition can weaken the immune system, making the body more prone to infections and diseases that can affect oral health and nerve function. Certain vitamin deficiencies can be one of the reasons why your front teeth feel numb.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells. A deficiency in B12 can lead to nerve damage or neuropathy, which can cause numbness or tingling sensations in various parts of the body, including the teeth and gums.
- Vitamin B12 also helps in the production of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve fibers. Damage to the myelin sheath can impair nerve function and result in numbness.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. A deficiency can lead to weakened bones and teeth, making them more susceptible to injury and nerve damage, which might cause numbness.
- Vitamin D plays a role in immune function, and a deficiency can increase the risk of infections, including dental infections that might affect the nerves in the teeth.
- Vitamine E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects nerve cells from damage. A deficiency can lead to oxidative stress and nerve damage, causing the front teeth to feel numb.
- Thiamine: Thiamine is vital for proper nerve function. A deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, characterized by numbness and tingling in various areas, including the front teeth.
Why Do My Front Teeth Feel Weird & Numb
If you’re wondering ‘why do my front teeth feel weird’, it could be caused by a tingly, numb feeling. In most cases, this sensation is temporary and disappears over time. The best protection for your teeth is good oral hygiene practices.
Check out our Healthy Smile Guide to learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Why Do My Teeth Feel Numb: When To See A Dentist
The causes of why your teeth feel numb can range in severity. In most cases, the feeling will return on its own. If your front teeth feel numb, it’s important to determine whether the numbness is temporary or persistent and whether other symptoms accompany it.
If you’re unsure about whether you should see a dentist, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment. A professional evaluation can provide peace of mind and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my teeth suddenly feel weird?
There could be a number of reasons why the front teeth feel weird. Check in with how your body is feeling and what activities you were doing today. If any of these factors have stressed out the teeth, it could be why your front teeth feel numb. Contact your dentist if the feeling gets worse or doesn’t go away.
How do I get rid of numbness in my teeth?
Depending on the cause of why your front teeth feel numb, there are a few things to regain the feeling. Avoid using that area and let the teeth relax and destress. Avoid extreme temperatures and eating hard, crunchy foods. Keep the teeth clean by gently brushing and flossing. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure a bigger problem isn’t forming.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
