Dental Problemsaccording to TCM

What are Dental Problems?

Dental problems encompass a broad range of conditions affecting the teeth and gums, including but not limited to tooth decay, gum disease, tooth pain, infections, and tooth loss. These issues can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulties in eating and speaking. Proper dental hygiene and regular check-ups are crucial in preventing dental problems, but when they do occur, timely and effective treatment is essential to preserve oral health and prevent further complications.

How Does TCM View Dental Problems?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches dental problems from a holistic perspective, seeing them as manifestations of deeper imbalances within the body's organ systems and energy pathways. Rather than treating just the symptoms, TCM aims to identify and correct the underlying patterns of disharmony that lead to dental issues.

This approach underscores the importance of a comprehensive assessment to devise a tailored treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and their root causes.

Root Causes of Dental Problems in TCM

In TCM, dental problems are often seen as the result of internal imbalances, particularly those related to the Kidney and Liver systems. Kidney Essence Deficiency, for example, can weaken the bones and teeth since the Kidney governs the bones, and its Essence contributes to the nourishment of teeth.

Similarly, Liver Blood Deficiency can lead to inadequate nourishment of the body's tissues, including the gums and teeth, making them more susceptible to disease. These examples highlight TCM's view that dental health is closely linked to the state of our internal organs and the balance of vital substances within our body.

Explore below more details about what might cause Dental problems according to TCM.

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Dental Problems

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat	Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps, Breast hardness... see more	Yu Nu Jian

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Dental Problems

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat	Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps, Breast hardness... see more	Yu Nu Jian

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dental Problems

To address dental problems, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas that nourish and support the body's fundamental substances and organ systems. A key formula for treating patterns associated with dental issues is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, which includes Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) as a principal herb.

This formula is particularly suited for conditions stemming from Kidney Essence Deficiency and Liver Blood Deficiency, as it works to tonify Yin and Yang, enrich Kidney Essence, and nourish Liver Blood. By targeting the underlying deficiencies that can lead to dental problems, such treatments aim to improve overall oral health and prevent future issues.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dental problems, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Heat:
Yu Nu Jian

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause dental problems, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat

Learn more

Acupoints for Dental Problems

Explore below some acupoints used to address dental problems, organized by meridian.

Juliao ST-3

Directly below Sibai ST-2, at the level of the lower border of ala nasi.

Dicang ST-4

Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below Juliao ST-3.

Daying ST-5

On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.

Jiache ST-6

One finger-breadth anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where masseter muscle attaches at the prominence of the muscle when the teeth are clenched.

Chongyang ST-42

Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

Lidui ST-45

On the lateral side of the 2nd toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of nail.

Tinghui GB-2

Anterior to the intertragic notch, directly below Tinggong SI-19, at the posterior border of the condyloid process of the mandible.

Shangguan GB-3

In front of the ear, on the upper border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression directly above Xiaguan ST-7.

Tianchong GB-9

Posterior and superior to the auricle, about 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu GB-8.

Fubai GB-10

Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, at the junction of the upper third and the two lower thirds of the curved line connecting Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12.

Muchuang GB-16

1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Yangxi LI-5

On the radial side of the wrist. When the thumb is tilted upward, it is in the depression on the wrist joint space (wrist crease) between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles.

Pianli LI-6

3 cun above Yangxi LI-5, on the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Wenliu LI-7

When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.

Quchi LI-11

When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Sidu TB-9

5 cun distal to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, between the radius and ulna.

Xiaoluo TB-12

On the line joining the olecranon and Jianliao TB-14, midway between Qinglengyuan TB-11 and Naohui TB-13, 5 cun proximal to the olecranon. It is just on the lower end of bulge of the lateral head of triceps brachii when the forearm is in pronation.

Jiaosun TB-20

Directly above the ear apex, within the hairline of the temple.

Baxie EX-UE-9

This is a group of 8 points in both hand, 4 points per each hand. Slightly proximal to the margins of the webs between the fingers, on the border of the red and white skin.

Chengjiang REN-24

On the midline, in the center of the mentolabial groove.

Jiachengjiang EX-HN

1 cun lateral to the center of the mentolabial groove.

Lieque LU-7

Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.