Is wisdom tooth inflammation caused by "excess internal heat"?
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Liwen
Introduction
Impacted wisdom tooth inflammation may be due to "excessive internal heat," but it might not be. If you frequently consume greasy or spicy foods, leading to excessive internal heat, this could trigger inflammation around the wisdom tooth. However, poor oral hygiene in daily life—allowing food debris to accumulate around the teeth—can also cause such inflammation. Additionally, as the wisdom tooth grows, it may irritate surrounding nerves and soft tissues, resulting in inflammation.
Pericoronitis of wisdom teeth may or may not be caused by "excessive internal heat" (a traditional concept often referred to as "shang huo"). It is recommended to choose appropriate treatment methods based on individual circumstances.
"Excessive internal heat," also known as "re qi," can result from regularly consuming greasy or spicy foods, leading to an overabundance of internal heat that may trigger inflammation around the wisdom teeth. However, not all cases of wisdom tooth inflammation are due to "excessive internal heat." Poor oral hygiene in daily life may allow food debris to accumulate around the teeth, resulting in inflammation. Additionally, during the growth process, wisdom teeth may irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, causing periodontitis, gingivitis, or other soft tissue inflammations.
Patients can apply cold compresses with ice packs or rinse their mouth with lukewarm saline solution to help reduce oral inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Moreover, under a doctor's guidance, anti-inflammatory medications such as amoxicillin or ibuprofen may be used to treat the inflammation. If the condition is indeed caused by "excessive internal heat," it is advisable to drink more water and take prescribed herbal remedies like Niuhuang Jiedu Pills according to medical advice.
