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Numb lip

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 1:35 am
by Gromit
I had a gum infection way back at the beginning of the year for which I was given antibiotics by the dentist. Antibiotics cleared up the infection but my lower lip on the left side of my mouth has been numb ever since, dentist has given no advice but it seems to be very gradually improving.

The outcome is that I've lost my embouchure as it's difficult to control my lower lip on the left hand side and basically can't play the flute. I guess I'm going to have to try and relearn positioning the flutto the right of my mouth, it took me a long time to get my embouchure right so this is all a bit depressing.

Has anyone else had this problem or one that's similiar, any advice would be appreciated.....Thanks

Re: Numb lip

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 4:06 am
by kkrell
Perhaps not the same, but sometimes I've had problems after novocaine shots when receiving dental work. If the dentist manages to hit the nerve directly, there can be residual numbness (also affecting taste of food). I was told it would resolve on its own within 1-6 months, which it did. Not a pleasant consequence of the work.

Re: Numb lip

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 9:29 am
by Conical bore
Check out these YouTube videos about how to play off-center.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... ardrop+lip

I was interested in this subject a while back, because I have a slight "teardrop lip" or "tulip lip" shape, a slight thickening in the center of the upper lip. It turns out that my actual embouchure is a straight line behind that part of the lip, so I didn't have to learn an off-center embouchure. Anyway, one or more of these videos might be helpful.

Re: Numb lip

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2020 9:49 am
by an seanduine
Yes. As a mere yout´ I had an attack of Bell´s Palsy.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_palsy
This was very frightening. I lost all control over one quadrant of my embouchure. Essentially I became a silent, if somewhat sibilant flute player. :o Rest and warm packs, along with aspirin, and I recovered sensation and control in about 10 days. These days they also give corticosteroids. The nerves ´eventually regenerate´. Eventually :boggle: You could try a medical consult. The specialist would be called a Maxillofacial Surgeon. He might be able to speed your recovery. . .or not. Time is generallt the great healer in this case.

Bob

Re: Numb lip

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 9:14 am
by Gromit
Thanks for the advice.