Tingling on right side of bottom lip plus excessive saliva.

[hippychick66]

Hi - for the last few months my lips and chin have felt tingly and slightly numb on the right side only - on and off. i also feel like there is too much saliva on that side (much like after the dentists has numbed your face). Anyway, i mentioned it to the dentist last week and he has sent me for dental x-rays. he said it could be a dental problem which is causing pressure on the nerve that apparently runs right past where i was pointing. BUT he said if those x-rays show nothing i will need further x-rays because the pressure can come from higher up (and then he pointed at the side of his head!!!)

So, being a total loony i have googled around and I have come across a thing called numb chin syndrome which seems to be very very serious and i am now convinced i am gonna die. Anyone got anything helpful they can tell me please, please, please?

Hi,

Numb chin syndrome is quite uncommon and there can be other less "serious" causes though of course needs to be excluded.

I actually work in this type of condition (usual disclaimers re diagnosing online!) and if someone comes in with facial numbness we do dental x rays to check there is no infection, cyst/ anything that might irritate the nerve or yes, signs of tumour, in the jaws. If they are negative we do a connective tissue disease immunology/antibody screen which can cause numbness, check for low B12 and a few other general health checks e.g. diabetes.

If these are negative ( and sometimes anyway) we arrange an MRI scan of the trigeminal nerve pathways (carry sensation from the face to brain).

Sometimes we find nothing to explain it and some patients can even experience numbness if clenching teeth/ tensing face.

Dont usually post on medical matters -but wanted to reply. Have followed you & the gang in the Fab 40 conception thread for years while waiting for DH to change mind about having another so some payback for keeping my hopes up! Apologies if sound stalkeresque

I would suggest seeing your GP as although dental causes are possible a GP could refer you to a neurologist.

Thanks davidsmom - you have been a big help. How fortunate that you came along. can I ask - are you in the UK? just the spelling of mum that made me curious. I am feeling slightly less freaked out than i was yesterday when I stupidly ventured onto Google. but still a bit worried. i plan to get the x-rays done next week at the walk in section of the local hospital and I assume the results go to my dentist and I'll take it from there.

Funny that you already 'knew' me

If you ever get DH to change his mind then do join the 40+ ladies on their thread - it is a fab thread (having said that i feel my time of TTC is ending and I will probably soon become the person stalking but not posting often)

No problem re advice, glad it helped but honestly consider a neurology referral. I am OK if you want to PM me although a bit crap at recognising I've got messages

Am in UK Davidsmom was suggested nickname when I joined- always meant to change it but never got round to it & actually no idea how to!

Have tried to change DH's mind for 3 years now so he's unlikely to have a sudden conversion! Got DS and DD and am 43 now so chances would be low anyway and am trying to be thankful for what I have but whenever some one on the 40+ thread gets pregnant get all wistful.......

I may well pm you - thanks for the offer. i did go to my doctor at the time I first spotted it and he seemed totally clueless - I might go back and see the senior doctor for a referal. What shall i ask him for??

43 might not be too late. i got pregnant twice at 43 (as you probably know ) but alas I did lose both pregnancies - i do believe it's all down to getting the golden egg. Many, many of my virtual friends have been lucky. X

davidsmom - i have sent you a PM :)