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Open Tooth Necks - Causes and Treatment
contents
- causes
- The most common cause - inflammation
- gnashing of teeth
- drugs
- Unhealthy diet - vitamin deficiency
- Healthy oral hygiene
- effects
- Treatment at the dentist
- Help from naturopathy
- home remedies
- Summary
Normally the tooth neck is protected by the gums like a coat. However, if this retracts, the tooth neck is exposed. Eventually even a part of the root surface will be exposed by the gum recession. Both lead to pain. However, open tooth necks can also be painless. This is often the expression "my teeth are longer" needed.
In open tooth necks cold and hot foods often cause stinging pain. There should urgently be a dental check to counteract the spread of the complaint. (Image: Kitty / fotolia.com) causes
The possible causes of open tooth necks are many. Gingivitis, acute injury, nocturnal teeth grinding, malocclusions, improper brushing techniques, inadequate oral hygiene, improper handling of dental floss and piercings in the mouth are known as triggers, for example.
The most common cause - inflammation
Inflammations, especially of a chronic nature, are the most common cause of open tooth necks. The inflammations are usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Reddened gums, bleeding gums and swelling should always be taken seriously. In case of such complaints, a dentist should be promptly consulted.
Bacteria in the mouth that are not removed on a regular basis deposit as plaque on the teeth. If the pad is not removed regularly, it solidifies and results in tartar. This rough surface makes it easy for bacteria to accumulate - a vicious cycle begins. The permanent irritation causes inflammation, the gums retract and the necks of the teeth become free. These are then defenseless to the bacteria.
Gingivitis can also be caused by hormone fluctuations, for example during pregnancy or menopause. Every pregnant woman should know how important oral hygiene is at this time - for herself and for the child. But certain medications, poor nutrition, vitamin C deficiency and smoking are also possible causes of inflammation of the gums.
gnashing of teeth
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can also lead to open tooth necks. Teeth grinding in turn has a variety of causes: irregular tooth position, developmental disorders of the jaw, different teeth after filling or dentures, chronic stress and sudden mental stress. The crunching causes the teeth to wear off, become sensitive and the gums go back, which can ultimately lead to exposed tooth necks.
drugs
The intake of some medications can lead to gum recession or open tooth necks. These medicines include, for example, certain antihypertensives and chemotherapeutic agents.
Unhealthy diet - vitamin deficiency
An unhealthy diet and / or vitamin deficiency can lead to open tooth necks. Too much animal protein, white flour products and sweets are not conducive to healthy gums. This acidifies the entire organism. Also, too much "unhealthy" carbohydrate creates plaque that accelerates the onset of gingivitis.
Therefore, a basic diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits and poor in animal is recommended. Furthermore, adequate hydration in the form of still water or herbal tea is important. Oils that contain enough omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the periodontium. These include linseed or hemp oil (1 - 3 tablespoons a day). Who prefers to take capsules, can get Krillöl.
Choosing a wrong toothbrush and toothpaste can lead to open tooth necks. (Image: matka_Wariatka / fotolia.com) Healthy oral hygiene
A healthy oral hygiene can support the healing of the gums but also protect against inflammation. At least twice a day, for at least three minutes, the teeth must be cleaned - the emphasis is on cleaning - not scrubbing. If you brush with a normal toothbrush, you should use soft to medium-hard bristles. When making toothpaste, make sure that it does not contain too many cleansers. Especially if the tooth necks are already affected, they will be damaged even more. It is best to clean at least half an hour after each meal. If you do not have the opportunity, you should at least regularly rinse your mouth. Since germs always stick to the toothbrushes, they should be disinfected regularly - preferably once a day with a drop of grapefruit seed oil.
Also, cleaning the tongue is important. For this purpose, suitable tongue scrapers are commercially available. The regular use of dental floss is also essential - only this should be done gently and gently. In addition, a professional teeth cleaning twice a year is recommended. The teeth are cleaned using special brushes and pastes and then sealed with a varnish if necessary. On these smooth surfaces, coverings are less likely to hang.
In a professional tooth cleaning, the deposits are removed from the teeth, which also counteracts a gum decline and thus the open tooth necks. (Image: K.-U. Häßler / fotolia.com) effects
Open tooth necks usually cause pain or at least discomfort when eating hot or cold. Possibly also unpleasant. So this is done less carefully, which in turn leads to an increase in germs and then caries or periodontal disease can arise. Maybe there is the fear of further pain during a treatment at the dentist added.
Treatment at the dentist
In order to reduce the sensitivity of the open tooth necks, the dentist applies a special varnish to the teeth. Thus, the teeth are not so "vulnerable". If the piercing in the mouth is to blame for the exposed tooth necks, it will be removed. When nocturnal teeth grinding as cause a bite splint is made. Possibly the affected person is explained the correct toothbrushing.
Home helps a sensitive toothpaste - especially for pain-sensitive teeth. In addition, regular use with fluoride gel is recommended.
Already existing inflammations must be treated in order to be able to maintain the teeth in the long term. If the aesthetics of patients are greatly impaired by the open tooth necks, they can be covered or veneered with suitable measures.
Help from naturopathy
For pain caused by open tooth necks, the homeopathic remedy hypericum (St. John's Wort) helps. This is used when the pain persists and feels like a nerve pain.
If the discomfort occurs suddenly and violently, Aconitum is the right drug of choice. This is best sucked in a C12 or C30, 3 granules as a gift. This can also help if patients are seriously afraid of visiting the dentist.
Schüssler salts are also recommended, namely the number 3 Ferrum phosphoricum against the inflammation, number 7 magnesium phosphoricum against the sensitivity of the teeth and the number 1 calcium fluoratum for the strengthening of the gums.
home remedies
In order to tackle open tooth necks, the gums must be strengthened. The following home remedies help: The first thing to mention is the Ratanhia root. It contains tannins. These have an anti-inflammatory and astringent effect. Tinctures and mouthwashes are available on the market. Both are diluted with a little water and the mouth, preferably after each meal, rinsed. Other home remedies are clove oil or myrrh tincture. Both take a bit of pain, healing and strengthening on the gums. The oil is not applied undiluted but mixed with a little water. The same applies to the myrrh tincture. With both, the gums are dabbed twice a day using a cotton swab.
Regular mouth rinses prevent gingivitis and open tooth necks. Natural mouth rinses based on Ratanhia root are also suitable here. (Image: Christoph Hähnel / fotolia.com) Following mouthwash also works with open tooth necks and associated gum problems. A rinse of salt and water is prepared by dissolving a teaspoon of good sea salt or Himalayan salt in a large glass with lukewarm water. Already the mouthwash is ready. This is used several times a day, but at least in the morning and in the evening after brushing your teeth. It is disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and has a decongesting effect.
Sage and chamomile tea (or both types of tea mixed) can also serve as a rinse. For a strong decoction is made, which is used in lukewarm condition as a mouthwash.
The pharmacy also has an ointment containing black cumin oil that can be used especially in the mouth area. This is massaged twice a day in the gums.
Last but not least, oil is a great way to strengthen the gums. Every morning before brushing, at least a teaspoon of sunflower oil or sesame oil is chewed in the mouth, pressed through the teeth with your tongue - preferably a little longer every day - until the oil in the mouth has a whitish color. Then this is spat out - ideally in a cloth and not in the sink. Under no circumstances should the oil be swallowed as this contains the germs from the mouth. The regular oil pulling improves the oral flora and the defense and also the gums are strengthened - good for the open tooth necks. After pulling the oil brushing and tongue scraping are announced.
Summary
Open tooth necks are definitely a reason to visit the dentist - as soon as possible. Any inflammation must be treated, the reason for the gum recession should be found. At the present time, dentists have many good treatment options and these are usually painless or at least painless.
It is essential to rethink one's own diet and oral hygiene and, if necessary, to improve it. Dietary supplements such as vitamin C and zinc may be needed to boost the immune system. (Sw)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)