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Extreme Pain After Using A DIY Teeth Whitening Treatment? Here's What You Need To Know

If you've tried an at-home teeth whitening kit and ended up with the worst pain of your life, you may have a painful condition called trigeminal neuralgia, which is known as the suicide disease. Here's what you need to know about trigeminal neuralgia and how you can achieve a glistening white smile. 

What is trigeminal neuralgia? 

Trigeminal neuralgia is an extremely painful condition that affects the fifth cranium nerve, which is a nerve that has three branches. One of the branches is located in the upper gums and cheeks, while the other two are located in the forehead and jaw. The pain that is felt can be triggered by various things, such as brushing your teeth and someone kissing your cheek. Due to the sensitivity of the area, using teeth whitening products that are purchased over the counter could trigger a painful attack. 

Due to the pain being located primarily in the jaws, many people with this condition make an appointment with their dentist because they believe that the pain is caused by their teeth. When dentists are unable to pinpoint the cause of the pain as a dental problem, they recommend a referral to a neurologist or a neurosurgeon to determine whether or not the person has trigeminal neuralgia. 

Can you get your teeth whitened? 

Due to the painful condition, it's a good idea to have your teeth whitened professionally by a dentist who is well-versed in trigeminal neuralgia. First, however, it will be crucial for you to get the pain under control. This can be done by taking prescription medication and/or undergoing surgery to decompress the nerve that causes the pain. Once the trigeminal neuralgia pain is under control, you should be able to safely get dental treatments, including teeth whitening. 

However, it's important to note that you and your dentist should discuss the possibility of getting your teeth whitened by using products and treatments that are the least invasive when it comes to touching your cheeks and gums. Preemptive anesthesia is ideal because it can help prevent the pain. If a local anesthetic will be used, the dentist should inject it as far away from the trigger point of your pain. After the anesthesia has taken affect, your dentist can apply a protective cream to your gums so the whitening chemicals do not irritate your trigeminal neuralgia. 

For more information about this nerve issue and tooth care, contact a local dentist.


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