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Numbness of the tongue: causes
Sometimes people are faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as numbness of the tongue. It can differ in localization, for example, sensitivity can be disturbed only in the area of the tip of the tongue or capture more significant areas, and in intensity – from a slight decrease in sensitivity to its complete loss. In any case, you need to see a doctor without self-medication and not relying on the fact that it will pass by itself.
Why does the tongue go numb
For what reason can the tongue go numb
There are many reasons for such an unpleasant phenomenon as numbness of the tongue, which doctors call “paresthesia”. For example, it can occur after dental treatment if the doctor accidentally damages a nerve during a tooth extraction or deep cavity treatment. In this case, the sensitivity of the tongue will recover on its own after some time. This situation is not dangerous, you just need to be patient and wait for full recovery.
The speed of recovery of sensitivity directly depends on how severe the damage to the nerve was.
The tongue can also become numb due to poorly placed dentures or malocclusion. For example, if there are different metals in dentures, galvanic currents can occur that reduce the sensitivity of the tongue. In these cases, after eliminating the causes, the numbness of the tongue passes rather quickly.
However, the reason for the numbness of the tongue may be more serious. For example, it can indicate diseases:
- cervical spine
- Thyroid
- organs of the nervous and digestive system
As well as diabetes, some cardiovascular diseases.
Numbness of the tongue can be one of the symptoms of an impending heart attack or stroke. Therefore, in this case, you should immediately seek help from a doctor.
Often, a decrease in the sensitivity of the tongue is caused by a side effect of certain drugs. For example, a number of pain relievers or drugs that relieve cough, sputum discharge.
The tongue can lose sensitivity as a result of various allergic reactions to external stimuli:
- components of food, drinks
- medicines
- hair of animals, household items, etc.
Even chewing gum or toothpaste can cause numbness, for example, if you are allergic to one of the ingredients.
Lack of certain vitamins, such as B12, can also lead to numbness of the tongue. Finally, the sensitivity of the tongue can change markedly due to anxiety, increased nervousness, stressful situations, depression.
The sensations of patients with a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue are very diverse: from a slight numbness at the very tip of the tongue, causing only mild discomfort, to a complete loss of sensitivity, often accompanied by severe tingling or burning. This burning sensation can spread to the mucosal area.
In such cases, many patients become highly excitable, nervous, have an obsessive fear of contracting cancer (carcinophobia)
There are so many reasons for numbness of the tongue that only a qualified doctor can understand this problem, it is dangerous to diagnose it on your own, because you can decide that the problem is not as terrible as it really is, thereby aggravating your condition.
What to do if the tongue is numb
If you feel that your tongue is numb, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination, including testing for possible allergens. You will most likely have to visit specialists such as a dentist, endocrinologist, and neurologist. You need to answer in detail all the questions regarding the past illnesses over the past year, the medications you have been taking, your daily routine, diet, oral care procedures, etc.
If possible, it is imperative to conduct magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine
In any case, treatment should begin with the elimination of all factors that irritate the tongue. If necessary, it is necessary to replace incorrectly placed dentures, correct an incorrect bite, remove tartar, grind the sharp edges of crowns and fillings, making them smoother and not traumatic. It is necessary to adjust the diet, excluding from it foods that can irritate the tongue (for example, too spicy, salty, with an abundance of spicy seasonings).
Therapeutic treatment includes taking medications with a sedative effect, helping to improve blood circulation, metabolism, and, if necessary, vitamin complexes. Since a violation of the sensitivity of the tongue is often associated with disorders of the nervous system, it may be helpful to:
- massage
- aromatic baths
- orderly daily routine
- elimination of stressful, unnerving situations
In some cases, spa treatment is indicated. The patient needs to tune in in advance that the treatment can be quite lengthy, and he will have to strictly follow all the prescriptions of the attending physician.
It is not worth using any folk remedies without consulting a doctor, especially if the cause of the numbness is not clear.
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