Toothache at the root

introduction

A throbbing, uncomfortable pain, a thick cheek and sensitive reactions to heat and cold - typical signs that the present toothache is due to a tooth root inflammation.

The anchoring mechanism of our tooth that root, is infected with bacteria and there is a high risk of losing the tooth.

But how can the root ignite when it is actually from Dentine and Enamel is well and safely protected from the outside world?

The tooth root

The tooth root, too Radix dentis called, is the part of the tooth that secures it securely and firmly in the tooth socket. Without the tooth root, the tooth would not be safe and would fall out. Also the care and Stimulus transmission is in their area of ​​responsibility. The tooth root would only be visible to the outside under pathological conditions, but in a healthy and vital tooth it is well below the Dental crown and under that Tooth bonesthat is covered by the gum line.

The tooth root consists of Dentinewhat from Dental cement is enclosed. The number of tooth roots per tooth is different and can also vary from person to person. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that the further back you look in the oral cavity, the greater the number of roots. So owns a "OK 3 " one long root, one molar a little further back 3 roots. The more, the longer and the thicker the section of a root, the more stable and secure it can fix the tooth. Among other things, this plays a decisive role in the planning of dentures. At the top of the tooth root there is a small opening called the Foramen apicale dentis. This is the entrance to the pulp for blood vessels, lymphoid tissue and nerves. The foothills of the pulp cavity are called Root canals.

Symptoms

First and foremost, inflammation of the tooth root manifests itself with severe unpleasant pain. The pain does not have to come directly from a root inflammation; exposed tooth necks can also be responsible, which is a more manageable problem in most cases. Of the pain is rather subliminally throbbing and dull. Usually it is not limited to the area of ​​the affected tooth, but rather continues to radiate. A root inflammation can also be the cause of headaches. From the outside, the area around the tooth root is swollen. You are sensitive to pressure and also that Gums can become inflamed. Warmth and cold, as a state of food or drink, cause special problems, as one is sensitive to them. A tooth sensitive to heat or cold should be the first sign to see a dentist.

The tooth root is exposed

In a healthy tooth, the gingiva (gums) completely covers the tooth root. About 2mm above the enamelCement border is the gingival margin. There is now one recession (Decrease) of the surrounding tissue, the gum line shifts further and further down (basal) and more of the tooth and the tooth root is exposed in the oral cavity. This can either be only on the side facing the cheek, only on the side facing the tongue, or circular. The tooth reacts in this situation particularly sensitive to external stimuli, so that even inhaling cool air triggers the typical short, sharp pain.

The emergence of exposed tooth necks has many different causes. So tooth decay can be the cause, an inflammation, the Too much stress on the gums while brushing your teeth or traumatic damage may have preceded it. The most common cause is that incorrect brushing of teeth. When brushing their teeth, many fear that they are not exerting enough pressure and that the plaque is not removed sufficiently, so that more pressure is used to brush. However, this is not beneficial, rather it leads to the retraction of the gums. The hypersensitivity is present because the protective coating of the hard enamel is missing in the exposed area. Stimuli can be transmitted more easily through those lying in the dentin Tubules (Tubules) are forwarded. In addition to the high sensitivity, the exposed tooth necks also offer one Predilection point (= "Preference") for tooth decay that quickly gets close to the roots.

Causes toothache at the root

As with most toothache, it can be triggered for many different reasons. Even exposed tooth necks caused by improper teeth brushing can be considered. However, as with most dental diseases, the most common cause is one untreated tooth decay. The bacteria, which are only initially found in the tooth enamel, work their way up and down until they can reach the dentin and later the tooth pulp. The vessels and nerves there are their next target, so that the tooth expresses itself with an inflammatory reaction. Toothache is the result, because the body wants to convey to the outside world that something is wrong. If you do not intervene in time, the pain can end abruptly.

A positive sign? Mostly not, because the inflammation does not go away on its own and the decrease in pain indicates that the tooth has died. Gum pockets offer another way of paving the bacteria a way to the tooth root. The pockets are like a pool of bacteria that then attack the tooth, which in turn causes pain. Untreated gingivitis can die Formation of gingival pockets favor. If the tooth is permanently and incorrectly stressed, as in the case of nocturnal grinding, is permanently disturbed by traumatic damage or is burdened by crooked wisdom teeth, tooth root pain is an occurring symptom.

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Home remedies for tooth root pain

In the event of a toothache caused by a root inflammation, various home remedies can be used to make the time until the dentist's appointment a little more bearable. The clove oil is very popular and can be optimally applied to the painful area with a cotton swab.

Rosemary leaves can also spread their soothing effects on the affected area. Compressions with savoy cabbage leaves can also be used. The required sheet is rolled and wrapped in a cloth. Rinsing the mouth also brings relief. Chamomile, sage, sweet clover or a special toothache tea that can be bought in the pharmacy are well suited for this. Chamomile can also be held against the cheek, just like an onion, which should also promise pain relief. A propolis tincture can be used. Propolis, also called bee resin, has antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal (against fungi) Effect.

homeopathy

Various homeopathic remedies can be used to support the healing process of a root inflammation. This is how Ratanhia is used. This is a species of plant that occurs as a shrub in Peru. Its anti-inflammatory effects in the oral cavity have long been known. But also the marigold, Mercurius solubilis (mercury) and Belladonna (Deadly nightshade) are used in homeopathy in the fight against tooth root inflammation.

What to do with a toothache at the root

Regardless of the form in which toothache occurs, a visit to the dentist is advisable in any case, as this is the only way to get to the bottom of the cause and to fight it. To Bridging the pain symptomsuntil you see your doctor common pain relieverssuch as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but they do not address the cause. But the home remedies just mentioned are also suitable for this. If a root inflammation is suspected, quick action is required in order to save the tooth and keep it alive. The dentist will do a variety of tests, such as an x-ray to determine where the inflammation came from, or one Cold testto see if the Tooth still vital is. Depending on the status, the following steps are initiated. This can be a root canal treatment or a tip resection.

prophylaxis

Since toothache is often very unpleasant and complicates everyday life, it is important that you take certain measures to prevent bacteria from attacking the healthy tooth.

So eating a low-sugar and low-acid diet is a great way to protect your teeth. Furthermore, the teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, with gentle pressure and bristles that are not too hard. Electric toothbrushes are well suited for this, as they make cleaning easier and give a signal when the pressure is too high. Mouthwashes, tongue scrapers and dental floss can be used as a supplement to fight the bacteria and keep the teeth longer.

Summary

Toothache is one of the most uncomfortable pain, especially when one Root inflammation is the cause is. A visit to the dentist is the only way to get rid of them. The causes are wide-ranging, so even the cleanest cleaner can suffer from exposed tooth necks.