A symbolic story of my tooth [Mandibular right central sector, FDA number 41]. 

The central areas of the lower jaw are the first teeth to emerge in the mouth, but at a time when the child is tiny, sensitive, vulnerable and dependent on the care of its parents. 

These smaller-sized teeth represent the most sensitive part of our personality and the support we receive to strengthen it from our parents in this particular period of our lives. 

Tooth 41, the central sector of the lower jaw on the right, is related, according to colour psychodynamic theory, to the colour blue and its qualities. Blue corresponds to the fifth energy centre of the body and is associated with speech and communication. 

On the other hand, we also associate it with silence. It is about the silent inner child who does not express his feelings, needs and desires. 

Also, according to Dr Voll, tooth 41 is associated with the genitourinary system and its organs, namely the kidney and bladder, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The acupuncture theory describes this system as the source of energy and creativity. 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the emotions these organs express and manage are our fear, worry, and panic. 

My personal story

A sudden event with the health of a loved one in my family environment caused me shock, anxiety and fear. Thus, I presented a gingival abscess on tooth 41 [central sector mandibular right], mainly on the tooth’s outer surface. 

According to the systemic representation of the teeth tooth, 41 represents the most vulnerable part of our personality. It is associated with the father’s role model and the support and care we received during our early childhood. 

So I realized this is a message my tooth sends me whenever I am vulnerable and afraid in my daily life. In this way, it reminds me of a traumatic experience from my childhood. This memory acts as a trigger point for automatic survival behaviour. It is the response from the nervous system due to the threat and fear experienced by my inner child. 

In my case, there is a struggle that causes inflammation and abscess of the gums. The gums fight and act immediately. So they swell in an attempt to create a life jacket, which will protect the vulnerable part of me, creating a boundary with the threatening external environment. 

Let’s talk about our right to vulnerability

Most of us have learned that “vulnerability” is a state of weakness associated with negative experiences in our lives on a physical and psycho-emotional level. 

From childhood, most of us are trained not to express our emotions freely but to suppress them because we think we might hurt others, cause chaos, or get punished. 

We usually avoid facing our vulnerable part in everyday life because it is painful and reminds us of feelings and situations such as belittlement, rejection, guilt, betrayal and punishment, and lack of boundaries. 

But by adopting an attitude of understanding and acceptance towards this side of ourselves, we can finally learn to trust and not be afraid to expose, share and have balanced relationships. 

Admitting our mistakes, taking responsibility for our actions, communicating our deepest concerns, and asking for help when we feel it is a signs of a vulnerable yet confident side of ourselves. Through such an attitude to life, we learn that we don’t have to be perfect and can expose our true selves to others and share our insecurities without inhibition. 

Protecting the vulnerable part of us

Setting boundaries is the solution and the safety net for our vulnerable part. When we don’t set boundaries in relationships with others, we blame and judge them and take responsibility for what they think, feel and do to change and fix them. This attitude creates conflicts and pathological symptoms in our bodies. 

On the contrary, with awareness, understanding and acceptance, we embrace our vulnerability, set limits according to our needs, and slowly gain the strength and courage to manage the demanding situations in our lives. 

This way, we are led with sure and steady steps into deep healing and balancing.