What causes tooth marks on the tongue, and how can they be managed?

　　Tongue indentations may be caused by congenital factors, aging, obesity, spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, liver qi stagnation, and other factors. They can be managed through general treatments, medications, and other调理 methods. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

　　1. Congenital factors: Some individuals are born with a relatively large tongue and limited oral space, making the tongue prone to dental pressure and resulting in indentations. Generally, there are no other discomfort symptoms, and special treatment is typically unnecessary.

　　2. Aging: With increasing age, bodily functions gradually decline, blood and qi circulation become impaired, and the functions of the spleen and stomach weaken, possibly leading to tongue indentations. These conditions can be improved by adjusting lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding late nights, and incorporating more spleen- and stomach-nourishing foods into the diet, such as yam, barley, and water caltrop.

　　3. Obesity: Obese individuals often have excessive phlegm-dampness, which can cause tongue enlargement and subsequent dental indentations, frequently accompanied by symptoms such as heaviness in the body, fatigue, and excessive sweating. Improvement strategies include dietary control, reducing intake of high-calorie and high-fat foods, increasing physical activity, weight reduction, and improving the body's phlegm-dampness condition.

　　4. Spleen deficiency with excessive dampness: This condition arises from weakness in the spleen and stomach, impairing the normal transformation and transportation of bodily fluids and leading to internal accumulation of dampness, which rises to the tongue and causes enlargement and indentations. Symptoms include poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and physical fatigue. Patients may take medications such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscorea and Atractylodes Powder), or Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Fruit and Magnolia Stomach Pills) under a physician's guidance to alleviate symptoms.

　　5. Liver qi stagnation: Often caused by emotional disharmony, this condition involves impaired liver function in regulating qi flow, resulting in qi stagnation that affects the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to tongue indentations. Commonly accompanied by symptoms such as emotional depression, chest and rib distension and pain, and belching. It is recommended to use medications such as Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pills), Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Pills), or Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan (Magnolia Smoothe-Qi Pills) under medical guidance to relieve discomfort.

　　In daily life, individuals can also engage in gentle exercises such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade) to promote blood and qi circulation, which benefits overall health.

　　References:

　　[1] Yu Lan, Zhang Huifang. Clinical Effect of Yishen Huoxue Huashi Decoction Combined with Finerenone in the Treatment of Female Diabetic Nephropathy Patients with Syndrome of Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Excess Complicated with Blood Stasis. Guide to Women and Children's Health, 2024, 3(17): 194-198.

　　[2] Yang Zhiwei. Effect of Qizhi Weitong Granules Combined with Conventional Western Medicine in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients with Liver Qi Stagnation Syndrome. Medical Journal of Chinese People's Health, 2024, 36(23): 84-86+90.