Although teeth may seem like solid, unchanging chunks of enamel, they are actually highly sensitive systems packed with nerves and living tissue. If you bite into an apple or drink a mug of hot coffee, your teeth should respond to the stimulation. If, instead, one or more of your teeth experiences numbness, you may be dealing with a serious dental or medical condition that will require prompt attention. These four possible causes behind numb teeth should help you narrow down the source of your own numbness and begin seeking treatment.
Treating Trauma Injuries
Sometimes, a hard knock to the face can permanently or temporarily shut down the nerves inside your teeth, as well as the blood vessels that carry vital oxygen and nutrients to them. When this happens, any affected teeth will go numb and eventually turn gray and die. Whenever your teeth don't feel normal after a bump, schedule an exam with your dentist as quickly as possible. With a little luck, you could be able to save the tooth, or at least have it removed before it causes an infection.
Checking Your Sinus Pressure
One common cause of numb teeth is relatively benign, but it can still be distressing. Sinus infections and similar disorders place pressure on the nerves leading to your mouth. If that pressure gets too high, it can pinch those nerves until they are no longer able to transmit signals, effectively numbing your teeth. Take steps to reduce your congestion if you have recently suffered from a cold or sinus infection and see whether those measures are enough to relieve the numbness.
Ruling Out Other Medical Issues
In some cases, numb teeth are a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition, which will need to be ruled out by a doctor. Facial numbness is, for example, an early sign of an impending migraine. Anxiety-related disorders that induce hyperventilation or panic attacks can also lead to numbness in your face and other body parts. Speak to your doctor if you experience persistent tooth numbness and your dentist cannot determine the cause.
Repairing a Dead Tooth
The majority of numb teeth are the result of advanced tooth decay, when the internal nerves of the tooth have been eaten away by infectious bacteria. Depending on the severity of the situation, this problem may be resolved through root canal surgery, or you may need to have the tooth extracted entirely. Your best chances of saving your tooth occur when the issue is caught and corrected quickly, so don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice that your tooth is numb. Doing so could not only allow you to keep the affected tooth, but it may also save the teeth surrounding the infection.
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