What should I do about toothache caused by excessive internal heat ("shang huo")?

In general, whether consuming cherries causes excessive internal heat ("shang huo") mainly depends on the quantity consumed. Eating cherries in small amounts typically does not cause excessive heat, but overconsumption may lead to such symptoms. It is recommended to maintain a moderate intake of cherries in daily diet. If symptoms of excessive heat have already appeared, reduce cherry consumption promptly and adjust your diet by eating more light and cooling foods to alleviate the symptoms.

In general, eating sweet potatoes does not cause "heatiness" and may even have a heat-clearing effect, but they should be consumed in moderation. Sweet potatoes are considered neutral in nature and are not classified as heating foods, so they do not directly cause "shang huo" (internal heat). In daily life, it's important to maintain a balanced diet, consume adequate vitamins and protein, and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, which helps strengthen the body's immunity and promote overall health.

"Shanghuo" (excessive internal heat) mainly manifests as symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and ulcers of the oral mucosa. It does not directly damage gingival tissues or alveolar bone, and therefore does not directly cause gum recession. The primary cause of gum recession is long-term bacterial invasion of periodontal tissues. Even if symptoms of "shanghuo" occur, the gums typically do not recede if oral hygiene is good and there is no periodontal inflammation.

The claim that certain vitamins are most effective for treating excessive internal heat (referred to as "shang huo" in traditional Chinese medicine) is misleading, as the effects may vary from person to person. When experiencing "shang huo," supplementing with vitamins such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A may offer some benefit. If concerns persist, it is advisable to seek medical advice in advance. Vitamin supplementation should generally be achieved through a balanced diet, including increased consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits to obtain natural vitamins.

The relationship between excessive internal heat ("Shang Huo") and nosebleeds is not absolute. When excessive internal heat causes dryness and fragility of the nasal mucosa, the capillaries become more prone to rupture, which may lead to nosebleeds. However, if the internal heat is mild and the body can self-regulate, or if the nasal mucosa has strong tolerance, this condition may not necessarily occur. It is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, consume more fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, avoid spicy foods, and maintain overall health.

Whether eating peaches causes excessive internal heat ("shang huo") depends on the quantity consumed. If consumed in moderation, peaches typically do not cause excessive heat. However, overconsumption may lead to symptoms of internal heat. In daily diet, it is recommended to maintain a balanced intake of foods, pay attention to portion control, and avoid excessive consumption of any single food item, which helps maintain overall health.

Whether one can eat lychee when experiencing excessive internal heat (referred to as "shang huo" in traditional Chinese medicine) should be determined based on individual physical condition. If the internal heat is mild, a small amount of lychee may generally be consumed. However, if the internal heat is severe, it is not recommended to eat lychee. Patients experiencing excessive internal heat are advised to maintain a light diet, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, carrots, and apples, to replenish the body's required water and nutrients, and to help reduce internal heat.

Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to take Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) decoction for excessive internal heat (heatiness). Cornus officinalis is slightly warm in nature and has a warming and drying effect. If the heatiness is caused by excess heat syndrome or damp-heat syndrome, consuming Cornus officinalis decoction may worsen the condition and hinder recovery. During episodes of heatiness, the diet should be light and bland, with increased consumption of vegetables and fruits. Spicy and irritating foods should be avoided to help alleviate symptoms of heatiness.