Tingling in the tongue can occur for many reasons, including a canker sore or a burn. Sometimes, it may indicate an underlying condition, such as nerve damage, an allergic reaction, or a stroke.

A tingling, numb, or pins-and-needles feeling can be due to an injury that affects the nerves. Causes for a tingling tongue may be temporary, but some are permanent.

There are some medical conditions associated with a loss of sensation in the tongue, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs for serious medical conditions, such as a stroke.

In this article, we look at the most common reasons for a tingling tongue and explore more unusual causes, such as migraine and stroke.

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There are a range of things that can cause a tingling tongue, including the following.

Burns and scalds

Burning the tongue on hot food or drink can be painful and uncomfortable and may result in a tingling sensation as the burn heals.

A person can lessen the discomfort by rinsing their mouth with cool water immediately after burning the tongue. Taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, may also help if the tongue is very painful or swollen.

For severe burns, people need to seek immediate medical help.

Canker sore or cold sores

A canker sore is a small mouth ulcer that can appear on the lips, inside of the mouth, or the tongue. It can causeTrusted Source pain or numbness and sometimes a tingling sensation around the immediate area.

Cold sores, on the other hand, are blisters that occur due to a herpes virus. They can also cause tingling as they develop. While they usually appear on the outside of the mouth, they can also affect the tongue.

Both canker sores and cold sores can get better on their own, but using over-the-counter medications may relieve discomfort and speed up healing.

Cold sores are contagious, so it is important to take steps to prevent the virus that causes them from spreading to others.

Learn more about cold sores on the tongue.

Nerve injury

There are several nerve branches that are responsible for the feeling in the front of the tongue. Injuries to these nerves can affect how well they work. Damage to the nerves may lead to:

  • numbness
  • a prickling sensation
  • a change in how food or drink tastes

The symptoms may only affect one side of the tongue or extend to the lips and chin.

Some potential causes of nerve damage include:

  • dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal
  • jaw fractures
  • face or mouth injuries
  • injuries from anesthetic injections, although this is rare

If healthcare professionals know about the injury during the procedure, they may be able to repair it at the same time to promote healing.

If not, and the suspected injury does not improve within 3 monthsTrusted Source, they may consider surgery.

Allergic reaction

Some people with hay fever have oral allergy syndrome, which can cause a tingling or itchy tongue.

Oral allergy syndrome occurs when a person reacts not only to pollen in the air but also to raw fruits and vegetables. This can mean people have reactions when eating common foods, such as apples or celery.

For those with oral allergy syndrome, it may help to avoid eating these foods raw, particularly during high pollen season. Cooking the food or eating canned versions may reduce the reaction. Other people may need antihistamines.

A person needs to consult a doctor if symptoms cause a lot of discomfort, worsen, or hives appear.

In rare situations, allergic reactions are severe and require immediate treatment.

Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

  • hives
  • swelling of the face or mouth
  • wheezing
  • fast, shallow breathing
  • a fast heart rate
  • clammy skin
  • anxiety or confusion
  • dizziness
  • vomiting
  • blue or white lips
  • fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

  1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
  2. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
  3. Assist the person in moving from a sitting position to lying down. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
  4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5 to 15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.

Medication reaction

Certain medications may cause a tingling tongue as a side effect. For example, a 2020 study reports that metoclopramide and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) can cause dysesthesia, an unpleasant sensation of the tongue that may include discomfort, burning, or tingling.

If a tingling tongue is a known side effect of a person’s medication, they need to discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist. Individuals should not stop or alter the dose without consulting a doctor.

B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is essential for the function of the nerves. A deficiency can result in tingling, or pins and needles, as well as a sore, red tongue. Other symptoms include:

It is important to seek treatment for B12 deficiency as quickly as possible, as a long-term deficiency can result in permanent nerve damage.

If a blood test reveals a B12 deficiency, doctors may give B12 injections or recommend taking B12 supplements.

Migraine

Some people who have migraine experience visual or sensory symptoms before an episode, such as seeing flashes of light. This is called migraine with aura.

Other types of aura include tingling sensations in the tongue, face, or body. The sensations may last between 5 and 60 minutes, and a headache usually occurs afterward.

However, if tingling has never occurred before, it is important not to assume the cause is migraine. Sudden, new, or unexplained tingling requires medical attention right away.

Hypoglycemia

A potential symptom of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a numb or tingling feeling in the tongue or lips. Other signs include:

  • feeling shaky
  • anxiety or nervousness
  • sweating
  • fast heartbeat
  • dizziness
  • hunger
  • nausea

People with diabetes are particularly at risk, so they need to check their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and seek immediate treatment if they experience this sudden tingling.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that results in damage to the sheath that surrounds nerves. One potential symptomTrusted Source is tingling, which may occur in the face or mouth. The symptoms may wax and wane over time.

Learn more about MS types and symptoms.

Stroke or TIA

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, resulting in damage to the affected brain cells.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to a region of the brain is briefly interrupted. It can be a warning sign that a stroke could happen in the future.

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or body can be a symptom of stroke, particularly if it affects only one side of the body.

Being aware of the symptoms of stroke and getting prompt emergency medical treatment is crucial. The easy way to remember the signs of stroke is by using the acronym FAST:

  • Face — one side of the face droops
  • Arms — weakness in one arm
  • Speech — which may be slurred
  • Time is critical — call 911 if someone has these symptoms

Many causes of tingling tongues heal themselves. For example, mild burns and canker sores can heal.

However, other causes, such as a deficiency or chronic condition, may require medical treatment. A person needs to seek medical advice if the feeling occurs suddenly, extends to the lips and jaw, or if there is no clear reason for a loss of sensation.

If someone has a tingling tongue and any alarming symptoms, such as paralysis, swelling, difficulty breathing, or passing out, seek immediate medical help.

A tingling tongue can be a symptom of burns, nerve injuries, allergic reactions, and canker sores. Sometimes, persistent tongue tingling can be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as a nutrient deficiency or multiple sclerosis (MS).

If tongue tingling is sudden or comes on gradually and does not improve, people need to consult a doctor.