When Your Child Is Numb

Why this matters

Local anesthesia can leave the lip, tongue, or inside of the cheek numb after the dental visit is over. The area feels strange, so children bite, chew, and poke at it — and because they cannot feel the injury happening, a surprising amount of swelling or a large sore can result from what started as absent-minded chewing.

Until normal feeling returns

• Supervise younger children — this is when most bite injuries happen
• Remind your child not to bite or suck the lip or cheek
• Hold off on chewy foods while feeling is significantly reduced; smoothies, yogurt, and other no-chew foods are safe choices
• Avoid very hot foods and drinks — temperature is hard to judge while numb
• Redirect a child who keeps touching or pulling at the numb area

If your child bites the lip or cheek

The injured area can swell — sometimes impressively — and may develop a white or yellow surface as it heals. That surface is part of normal healing, not necessarily infection. Keep your child from continuing to bite or pick at it, and keep the area clean. We would rather hear from you if you are unsure: call us if you are not certain what you are seeing is normal, if discomfort is significant, or if swelling keeps progressing.