Does a tooth-marked tongue coating indicate Yin deficiency or Yang deficiency?

Generally speaking, tongue coating is one of the symptom manifestations of yang deficiency; tooth marks on the tongue usually do not appear in yin deficiency. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Yang deficiency is caused by insufficient yang energy in the body and is usually related to dietary habits, living environment, frequent sexual activity, emotional stress, and other factors. The main manifestations include pale complexion, palpitations, chest tightness, thick white tongue coating, and sometimes tooth marks along the edges of the tongue. Yang deficiency can lead to dysfunction of the body's transformation and transportation functions, causing indigestion and affecting the elimination of metabolic products such as blood, qi, and body fluids, thereby disrupting water metabolism, resulting in limb edema, tongue swelling, and consequently tooth marks on the tongue.

Yin deficiency is usually associated with prolonged illness, excessive sexual activity, and consumption of spicy foods, which deplete the body's yin fluids. Main manifestations include dry mouth, dry tongue, dizziness, and dry skin. Tooth marks typically do not appear in yin deficiency; instead, symptoms such as a reddish tongue, pale complexion, warm palms and soles, and night sweats are commonly observed. In cases of yin deficiency, the tongue is generally small and bright red, and tooth marks usually do not develop.

For yang deficiency, medications such as Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Jin Kui Kidney Qi Pills), Gui Fu Di Huang Wan (Cinnamon and Prepared Rehmannia Pills), and You Gui Wan (Right Restore Pills) may be used under a physician's guidance to warm and supplement kidney yang. In daily life, it is also important to keep the body warm and consume more nourishing foods such as lamb and beef. For yin deficiency, medications such as Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Cortex Phellodendri and Rehmannia Pills), Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pills), and Mai Wei Di Huang Wan (Ophiopogon and Rehmannia Pills) may be used under medical guidance to nourish yin, clear heat, and benefit kidney function. In daily life, spicy and greasy foods should be avoided; instead, more yin-nourishing foods such as white fungus and lily bulbs should be consumed. Additionally, maintaining good daily routines, avoiding excessive fatigue and emotional stress, and engaging in moderate physical activities such as walking and yoga can help promote blood and qi circulation and improve overall health.