What causes a crooked mouth after receiving anesthesia, and what should be done about it?
Mar 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
After receiving anesthesia, if the mouth becomes crooked, it may be caused by factors such as anesthetic diffusion, local nerve compression, poor blood circulation, allergic reactions, or nerve damage; appropriate treatment should be based on the specific condition. Additionally, it could result from an excessive injection dose. Patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid spicy, raw, cold, or irritating foods to prevent local discomfort.
Anesthetics usually refer to numbing medications. Facial asymmetry or crooked mouth after receiving anesthesia may result from factors such as drug diffusion, local nerve compression, poor blood circulation, allergic reactions, or nerve damage. Appropriate treatment should be administered based on the specific cause. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Drug Diffusion
If facial drooping results from anesthetic diffusion affecting the facial nerve, it is typically transient and resolves spontaneously within 3–5 hours. The numbing effect of local anesthesia generally lasts about 4 hours, and symptoms of mouth asymmetry usually subside as the anesthetic wears off.
2. Local Nerve Compression
During the injection process, pressure from the needle or the volume of the anesthetic solution may temporarily compress nearby nerves, leading to a crooked mouth. In most cases, waiting for some time allows the medication to be naturally absorbed, thereby reducing nerve compression.
3. Poor Blood Circulation
After injecting the anesthetic, local blood flow may be somewhat impaired, depriving nerves and muscles of sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which can affect their normal function and lead to facial asymmetry. It is advisable to slightly elevate the head to promote blood return. Additionally, gentle facial massage—moving upward from the chin and from the forehead toward the temples—can help improve local circulation.
4. Allergic Reaction
If the patient is allergic to the anesthetic, localized numbness and swelling may occur around the mouth following injection, resulting in drooping of the mouth corner. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may take oral antiallergic medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, or ketotifen fumarate capsules.
5. Nerve Damage
If the needle inadvertently damages the facial nerve during anesthesia administration, it may cause motor dysfunction in facial muscles, leading to symptoms resembling facial paralysis. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as oryzanol tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, or mecobalamin tablets to support recovery of the facial nerve.
It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid consuming spicy, raw, cold, or irritating foods to prevent local discomfort.
