Most people have experienced toothache at some point, a discomfort that is often attributed to cavities, infections, or gum problems. However, its origin is not always in the mouth. According to various theories of alternative medicine, each tooth would be linked to an organ or system of the human body, and pain could be a way for our body to alert us to possible internal alterations.

The connection between teeth and organs

There is a “dental meridian chart” that suggests that the human body is interconnected through energy channels. Thus, a persistent pain in a seemingly healthy tooth or even one that has been extracted, could be revealing deeper imbalances.

• Incisors (front, upper and lower teeth): these are related to the kidneys and urinary system. Your pain can be indicative of problems such as cystitis, otitis, or even chronic kidney disease.
• Canines (fangs): these are associated with the liver and gallbladder. Its sensitivity can alert you to liver conditions or biliary disorders.
• Premolars (fourth and fifth teeth): linked to the lungs and large intestine. They can hurt in cases of asthma, bronchitis, colitis or allergic reactions such as rhinitis.
• Molars (sixth and seventh teeth): reflect the state of the pancreas, stomach, spleen and joints. They may indicate gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers, anemia, arthritis, or bowel problems.
• Wisdom teeth: These are related to the heart and small intestine. Its connection with imbalances of the nervous system has also been suggested.

Some common ailments and their dental reflex

• Pain in the incisors may indicate chronic pyelonephritis, urinary tract infections, or otitis.
• Persistent pain in the first incisor could be related to hepatitis or cholecystitis.
• Pain in the premolars, especially the lower ones, may suggest asthma or chronic lung problems.
• Upper molars can hurt in cases of gastritis, duodenal ulcers, or anemia.
• Pain in the lower molars could be linked to arteriosclerosis, colitis or joint inflammation.
• Wisdom tooth pain could reflect heart or bowel problems.

Recommendations and tips

1. Don’t ignore tooth pain, even if you think there is no cavities. It could be a warning of something deeper.
2. Always consult a dentist to rule out real oral problems before considering other causes.
3. Notice if pain appears in an extracted tooth, as so-called “phantom ailments” could signal internal imbalances.
4. Maintain a general medical check-up and perform regular checkups if you experience repeated pain in specific areas of your mouth.
5. Keep track of your dental pain and compare it to symptoms from other parts of your body. This could facilitate more accurate diagnoses.
6. Take care of your digestive and respiratory health, as many dental discomforts are related to these systems.
7. Avoid self-medication and always seek the advice of health professionals.
8. Prevention is essential: good oral hygiene and a balanced diet reduce not only dental problems, but also the risk of systemic diseases.