World Oral Health Day: Why Oral Health Matters for People Living with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain
By Aneeta Prem, CEO of TNA UK
Today is World Oral Health Day – 20 March 2025
World Oral Health Day, led by the FDI World Dental Federation, is a global reminder that good oral hygiene is essential for lifelong health. But for people living with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or facial pain, maintaining oral health isn’t just difficult—it can be agonising. This year, TNA UK is highlighting how vital it is to support TN patients in accessing safe, adapted dental care.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia and Why Does It Affect Oral Health?
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic condition involving sudden, severe facial pain, often described as electric shocks or stabbing sensations. The trigeminal nerve supplies feeling to the face, teeth, and gums. For those living with TN, simple activities such as brushing, chewing, or visiting the dentist can trigger unbearable pain.
Many patients with TN avoid brushing altogether or delay check-ups, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections—all of which can worsen nerve pain.
Brenda’s Story: A Wake-Up Call
Brenda, a member of TNA UK, shared her experience:
“I’ve had TN for five years and really struggled to brush my teeth. I thought it was toothache. My dentist removed two healthy teeth. It wasn’t until I went to A&E that they suspected TN. It took me four years to get diagnosed. We must raise awareness so others don’t go through this.”
Her story is sadly not unique. As CEO of TNA UK, I’ve also experienced misdiagnosis—and I had two healthy teeth removed before being diagnosed with TN. These stories are powerful reminders of the need for proper education and awareness in dental care.
Not just World Oral Health Day remember
Tell Your Dentist You Have TN or Facial Pain
If you live with TN or facial pain, it’s vital to communicate openly with your dentist. Let them know:
- You have a neurological condition that causes extreme facial pain.
- Even gentle dental work may trigger painful attacks.
- You may need adjustments such as shorter appointments, soft tools, or topical numbing agents.
Practical Oral Hygiene Tips for TN Sufferers
We know dental care can be daunting. Try these TN-adapted tips:
- Use soft or ultra-soft toothbrushes.
- Warm the brush under lukewarm water before use.
- Brush at the least painful time of day, often after taking medication.
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash when brushing is too painful.
- Reduce sugar intake to prevent decay when brushing is delayed.
- Use sensitive toothpaste or fluoride-free options if needed.
- Try saltwater rinses to keep the mouth clean during flare-ups.
How to Find an NHS Dentist in the UK
Finding an NHS dentist can be difficult, but help is available:
- Visit the NHS Find a Dentist tool: www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist
- Call practices directly—even if listed as “not accepting”, some keep waiting lists.
- Contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) for help.
- If you need urgent treatment, call NHS 111 for emergency dental care.
Can You Access NHS Dental Hospitals?
Yes—there are NHS dental hospitals across the UK, primarily in larger cities. These hospitals offer specialist dental care, often for patients with complex medical needs or chronic pain conditions like TN.
What NHS Dental Hospitals Offer:
- Multidisciplinary care for complex cases
- Oral surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, and maxillofacial services
- Referrals from your NHS dentist or GP
Where to Find NHS Dental Hospitals:
Some of the key dental hospitals include:
- Eastman Dental Hospital (London)
- Birmingham Dental Hospital
- Manchester Dental Hospital
- Liverpool University Dental Hospital
- Leeds Dental Institute
- Newcastle Dental Hospital
- Sheffield Charles Clifford Dental Hospital
- Glasgow Dental Hospital
- Cardiff University Dental Hospital
- Bristol Dental Hospital
To access care, speak to your GP or NHS dentist about a referral. Waiting times vary, but these services may be especially helpful if you have persistent pain, a complex case, or difficulty accessing standard dental care.
TNA UK’s Commitment to Educating Dentists
We work tirelessly to ensure dental professionals understand the symptoms and realities of TN. Our resources include:
- Free downloadable guides for dentists
- Training webinars with leading experts in dental and facial pain care
- A helpline and advice service for patients and professionals
- Public awareness campaigns to reduce misdiagnosis
We continue to call for better national guidelines and dental training on facial pain so that no patient is left to suffer in silence.
Together, We Can Improve Dental Care for TN Sufferers
On this World Oral Health Day, let’s commit to improving oral health for everyone, especially those most at risk of being misunderstood or misdiagnosed. If you have TN or support someone who does, know that you are not alone.
At TNA UK, we stand beside you—with advice, community, and compassion.
With warmest wishes,
Aneeta
www.tna.org.uk | Helpline: 0800 999 1899 | Email: [email protected]
