How to Get Rid of a Long‐Term Nose or Mouth Twitch

Co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD

Last Updated: August 22, 2024 References

Twitching of your mouth, nose, or eyes is usually harmless, but it might seem frustrating or embarrassing if it doesn't go away. Usually, to get your twitch to go away, you'll have to figure out what's causing it. In some cases, this might be as simple as reducing your stress or anxiety or changing your diet. However, there are some circumstances that call for a visit to a specialist. We'll help you narrow down the causes and what to do about your twitch!

Things You Should Know

Nose twitching is typically caused by things like stress, dietary deficiencies, poor sleep, tic disorders like Tourette's syndrome, and drug/alcohol use.
Monitor your behavior and pay attention to when your nose twitches to pinpoint what's causing it. Then, correct or address the issue.
If the twitching persists for more than a year, see a doctor for a full evaluation.

1

Monitor the behavior over time and in various situations.

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Write down instances to try to identify patterns. Especially pay attention to the feelings or circumstances that give rise to the twitch. Evaluate any and all environmental and situational factors, and make a list for reference in case you need to discuss the issue with a doctor.

Get Rid of a Long‐Term Nose or Mouth Twitch Step 10

1
- Think back to when the twitch started. Do you remember where and when you first started noticing the twitch? Involuntary movements that originated in childhood have different causes and solutions than those that began in adulthood.
- Doctors will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if the twitch is neurologic, medical, or psychiatric in origin.

2

Consider if stress and anxiety play a role.

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Do you mainly experience the twitch when you’re nervous? How do things like public speaking, talking to an authority figure, or similar stressful situations affect it? Is it more likely to happen when you’ve got a lot on your plate at work or in response to other anxiety triggers? What about other emotions, such as being amused, excited, or overjoyed?
- Keep a journal to track when and where the tic happens.
- Compare your notes on when it happens in the present to when and where you remember it happening in the past.
- You may want to see a psychiatrist if the cause of your twitch is from stress and anxiety. He/she maybe able to help you with anti-anxiety medication in order to relieve stress.

3

Consider drug and alcohol use.

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Are you prescribed any medication? Stimulants like caffeine and prescription drugs can cause involuntary movements, as can withdrawal from alcohol and nicotine.^{[1]
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4

Get your diet on track.

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Some deficiencies can lead to twitching. A well-balanced diet can potentially stop a tic within days.^{[2]
X
Research source} Make sure you're eating enough leafy greens and nuts for magnesium, and bananas for potassium. Consider taking a supplement for these specific minerals, or a general multivitamin.^{[3]
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- If you suspect that you’ve got some gaps in your diet, you should first see your primary care physician (PCP) or go to a clinic. A doctor can order a complete blood count and other standard tests to confirm any dietary issues.^{[4]
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- Omitting or limiting your sugar and caffeine intake are additional steps you should take to get rid of a nose or mouth twitch.
- Drinking the recommended amount of water for your body size is also recommended. A good general rule is to drink eight 8 oz glasses of pure water every day. Drinks with caffeine and alcohol in them do not count as part of your daily water consumption.

5

Get plenty of sleep.

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Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation appears to play a part in the occurrence of motor tics. Sleep loss, especially in combination with stress, can also exacerbate the issue's severity.^{[5]
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- Make sure that you practice good sleep hygiene.

6

Work on reducing stress.

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Both situational stress and general anxiety contribute to tics and twitches. Before seeing a counselor, you can try out techniques at home to relieve stress. Breathing exercises, self-massage, and meditation can also help improve your sleep habits and quality of sleep.
- Wash your hands before giving face a massage. Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips.^{[6]
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- Put on soothing music and use slow, deliberate breathing exercises to relax yourself.
- Look for other ways of getting into a good state of mind: what makes you most relaxed?

7

Try willfully suppressing your tic.

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Replace it with a voluntary movement. It might cause discomfort to suppress a tic, but it can be possible to delay the motion.^{[7]
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Research source} Work on holding it back if it makes you self-conscious in social situations. Concentrate on refocusing the energy that gives rise to the tic to another part of your body, and release the energy using a different movement.
- Some therapists try to have you refocus or distract yourself when you are having the tic, such as by diverting your attention onto something else. For example, you might place your feet flat on the ground and pay attention to how this feels, count down from 100, or rub a penny between your fingers.

8

Ignore the twitch.

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It may go away on its own, especially in children. If your child is experiencing a nose or mouth twitch, sometimes the best solution is to ignore it. Calling attention to it might actually trigger it or harm self-esteem. Tics are common in children: up to one in four develop a tic that lasts between one month and one year before puberty.^{[8]
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http:/www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/badhabit.htm#tics}
- Consider your child’s age and when the tic started occurring.
- If any vocal tics or complex involuntary movements accompany a facial twitch, you should see your child’s pediatrician rather than ignore these symptoms. In combination, they can indicate neurological disorders such as Tourette syndrome. Having a tic may also lead to a lack of socialization and stress for the child.

9

Consult your doctor if the issue persists.

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Bring along any notes you've taken. If the facial twitch persists for a year or more, consult your doctor—or your child’s doctor, if they're the one experiencing the twitch. You should contact your PCP or visit a health clinic if home remedies don't work, or if your symptoms don't go away or worsen over time. You should also see your doctor to confirm a potential cause, such as diet or drug use, prescribed or otherwise. Your doctor can also refer you to specialists, such as a neurologist or mental health professional.^{[9]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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- Any notes you’ve taken on the tic’s causes and patterns will be beneficial. Your doctor can order tests or refer you to a specialist if necessary.^{[10]
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10

Consider if the issue is part of a more significant disorder.

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Your tic or twitch could be associated with Tourette syndrome if it persists over time, changes in severity, or is associated with both complex movements and vocal grunts or other utterances.^{[11]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} A facial tic or twitch could indicate Bell's Palsy, a non-specific diagnosis for sudden paralysis, weakness, or other symptoms associated with nerve damage in the face.^{[12]
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- You should see a doctor if any of these factors apply to rule out more serious issues.
- A Bell’s Palsy is a medical condition that causes sudden onset unilateral facial paralysis. Facial Palsy can also be caused by a herpes simplex virus infection. Treatment involves either glucocorticoids or antiviral therapy.

11

See a neurologist if your doctor recommends it.

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This should be an early step if you’ve recently suffered head or neck trauma or any potential nerve damage in the twitch’s region that could be its cause. See your PCP for a referral, visit a local clinic, or consult the internet for help finding one. A neurologist can order an MRI and identify physical problems with your brain and nervous system.^{[13]
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12

Consult a therapist for stress-induced twitches.

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Ask your PCP for a recommendation. If you suspect anxiety or a related psychological factor is the root of your facial twitch, consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist. Triggers can either be situational, like a break-up or stress at work, or more global in nature, such as a diagnosed mental health disorder.
- Note any history of such diagnoses with the mental health professional you consult.
- Remember, no two people have the same emotional and psychological lives. Do not feel shame in seeking help or seeing a therapist. The twitch might go away as soon as you get your stress off your chest.
- If your nose or mouth tic is related to drug or alcohol abuse you should talk to a mental health or substance abuse professional.
- Look online for county or state programs that offer free or income-based counseling programs.

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Be honest with any medical professionals you discuss the issue with, especially when discussing any potential drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression, or other sensitive topics.

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