What Causes Numbness In Jaws And Below Ears?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jan 2015

Question: Hi. For two days I've had the feeling of numbness in my jaw. It's in the back portion. Below my ear. It's not painful or anything, doesn't seem to radiate anywhere else. I've also for a month now had these small white bumps that come and go on the inside of my cheek. I've had a couple specialists (on this site) look and say it's nothing to worry about. What could be going on with this? Should I be concerned? I'm worried it's cancer. I'm a smoker too. For 15 years, I'm 33 years old.

Answered by Dr. Monish De (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The numbness in your jaw and bump inside your cheek is caused by burning after drinking or eating something that was too hot.

It may also be due to irritation caused by eating overly spicy, salty or sour foods.

Since it is painless and is not bleeeding it is not cancer and you do not need to worry.

I would advise you to make sure the temperature of your food or drink is right before taking it. Avoid certain irritating foods.

Rinse your mouth with salt water or mouth wash twice daily and avoid spicy foods to relieve your discomfort.

Regards

DR DE

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Monish De (44 hours later)

Would it still be lasting? Thats 4 days. I havent eaten anythinh spicy or too hot .

Answered by Dr. Monish De (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hexidine mouth wash twice daily

Detailed Answer:
Hi

It takes around 10 days of time for the bumps to go away totally.

Try to avoid spicy food for that period and rinse your mouth with hexidine mouth wash twice daily.

There is nothing to worry.

If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Monish De (18 hours later)

Hi, sorry - ive had the bumps for almost two months now and when it is scrapped off it comes back

Answered by Dr. Monish De (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May be oral lichen planus

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Since the bumps inside your cheeks are persisting for 2 months and when scrapped off it comes back it could be due to oral lichen planus.

It is an inflammatory condition affecting mucous membranes in your mouth. This inflammation causes raised bumps or lines inside of your cheeks.

Triggers of oral lichen planus may include liver disease, certain medications and vaccines and allergies.

Drug treatments for oral lichen planus include corticosteroids, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antibacterial agents.

These bumps may also be treated with light and laser treatments.

Discuss with your treating physician about the above treatment options.

If you have no more clarifications, then please rate the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju