How to Regulate a Spleen Deficiency Manifesting as Teeth Marks on the Tongue边缘

The spleen serves as the foundation of acquired constitution. Spleen deficiency may lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite and generalized fatigue. Moreover, spleen deficiency and dampness can mutually exacerbate each other, triggering or aggravating other systemic disorders. Spleen deficiency accompanied by dampness is further categorized into damp-heat and cold-damp patterns. Then, how should one manage spleen deficiency manifesting as teeth-marked tongue margins?

How to Manage Spleen Deficiency with Teeth-Marked Tongue Margins

When teeth marks appear along the lateral edges of the tongue, patients may take Liu Jun Zi Wan (Six Gentlemen Pills) for regulation. Teeth marks on the tongue’s margins refer to indentations left by the teeth on the swollen, enlarged tongue—indicative of tongue edema or hypertrophy. When the tongue appears enlarged with clear teeth marks along its sides, this is primarily attributed to spleen qi deficiency and yang deficiency. Patients with weak spleen qi commonly present with a pale, thin, moist tongue coating; a tender, plump tongue body; teeth marks along the tongue margins; and pallor or sallow complexion. In such cases, herbal formulas that strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, and resolve dampness are recommended.

      Clinically, spleen deficiency encompasses several subtypes, including spleen yang deficiency, spleen qi deficiency, and spleen deficiency with blood deficiency. Typical manifestations of spleen yang deficiency include loose stools and abdominal distension, often accompanied by abdominal pain and facial edema. Patients with spleen qi deficiency typically experience worsening postprandial abdominal distension, generalized fatigue, and mental lethargy; some may also develop weight loss, obesity, or generalized edema.

Once any of the above symptoms appear, patients should promptly seek medical evaluation to ensure early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment—thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes. We hope this information proves helpful to you.