What does facial drooping with mouth numbness mean?

Sudden drooping or numbness on one side of your face can be a warning sign of a stroke. Call 911 right away; don't wait to see if it passes. Bell's palsy causes similar symptoms, but only a medical team can tell the difference, so the emergency call comes first either way. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Sudden facial drooping or numbness can be a stroke warning sign. 

• The FAST check can help you spot common stroke signs. 

• Bell’s palsy can also cause one-sided facial weakness or drooping. 

• Numbness limited to the treated area after dental care should be checked by your dental provider if it lasts longer than expected. 

If numbness began after dental care and stays only near the treated area, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. If it comes with facial drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking, call 911 first. 

What can cause facial drooping with mouth numbness? 

Sudden facial drooping and mouth numbness may have different causes. A stroke is the most urgent one. Bell’s palsy can also make one side of the face weak or droop. Dental numbing medicine can make the treated area feel numb for a while. However, it should not be used to explain away sudden facial drooping. If these symptoms start suddenly, call 911. 

Could this be a stroke? 

Yes. A stroke may cause a sudden loss of feeling or strength on one side of the face, in one arm or in one leg. It may also cause trouble speaking, seeing, walking or keeping your balance or a sudden severe headache.¹ If any of these signs start, call 911 right away. 

What does the FAST test check? 

FAST is a quick way to check for common stroke signs. MedlinePlus uses it to help people remember when to call 911.¹ 

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side hang lower? 

• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm start to fall? 

• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a short sentence. Is the speech slurred or hard to understand? 

• Time: If any of these signs appear, call 911 now. 

What is Bell's palsy? 

Bell's palsy affects the nerve that moves the muscles in your face. It can make one side of the face weak or unable to move. Signs may include a drooping eyelid or corner of the mouth, drooling, a dry eye or mouth, extra tears or changes in taste.² 

How is Bell’s palsy different from a stroke? 

Bell's palsy usually affects only the face. A stroke can cause facial drooping too, but it often comes with other signs at the same time, like arm or leg weakness, trouble speaking or sudden confusion. That overlap is exactly why the two can be hard to tell apart at first, and why you shouldn't try to figure it out yourself. Call 911 for sudden facial drooping or numbness so a medical team can check for a stroke. 

Can dental work cause facial numbness or weakness? 

Dental numbing medicine can leave the treated part of your mouth, lip, cheek or tongue numb for a while. Sudden facial weakness or drooping is different and should not be blamed on dental care without a medical check.  

If numbness lingers after a deep cleaning, read more about how long numbness can last after a deep cleaning and ask your dental provider when it should fade. If you cannot open your mouth fully after a dental injection, tell your dental provider right away. 

When should you call 911 or go to the ER? 

Call 911 right away if facial drooping or one-sided numbness begins suddenly, along with any of the stroke signs already mentioned. Do not wait for the symptoms to go away.

When should you talk to your dental provider instead? 

Call your dental provider when numbness starts after dental care, stays only near the treated area and does not come with sudden facial drooping, arm weakness or speech changes. Ask how long the numbness should last based on your treatment. If it does not fade or gets worse, your dental provider can check the area and refer you to a doctor if needed. 

For dental numbness without emergency, contact your dental provider.  

What does facial drooping with mouth numbness mean? FAQs 

Still have questions about facial drooping and mouth numbness? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Is facial numbness alone ever a sign of stroke? 

Yes. Sudden numbness on one side of the face can be a stroke sign, even if the face does not droop. Call 911 right away. Do not wait for other symptoms to appear. 

How long does it take to recover from Bell’s palsy? 

Most people with Bell's palsy begin to improve within two weeks and fully recover within three to six months.² Recovery can differ from person to person, so ask a doctor what to expect. 

How long does dental-related facial numbness usually last? 

How long it lasts depends on the numbing medicine and the treatment. Follow your dental provider’s instructions. Call the dental office if the numbness does not start to fade when expected.  

Can a dental provider help with facial nerve symptoms? 

A dental provider can check numbness in your mouth after dental treatment and refer you to a doctor if needed. A dental provider cannot rule out a stroke. 

Sources 

¹ National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Stroke.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000726.htm 
² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Bell's Palsy.” https://medlineplus.gov/bellspalsy.html