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Can “shanghuo” (excessive internal heat) cause gum bleeding?

May 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Gum bleeding is not directly related to “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept). Generally, gum bleeding is a symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis, often resulting from failure to brush and rinse the mouth promptly after meals. Food debris or soft plaque accumulates around the gums, causing prolonged irritation to the gum tissue; this may lead to bleeding during brushing or eating. For gum bleeding, timely dental cleaning is essential.

Many people notice bleeding gums while brushing their teeth in the morning. Most assume this is due to “excess internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept). But can “excess heat” actually cause gum bleeding?

Can “Excess Heat” Cause Gum Bleeding?

Gum bleeding is not directly caused by “excess heat.” Typically, it is a symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis—conditions often resulting from failure to brush and rinse thoroughly after meals. Food debris and soft dental plaque accumulate around the gums, causing prolonged irritation to the gum tissue. This may lead to bleeding during brushing or eating. To address gum bleeding, timely and thorough dental cleaning is essential—removing local irritants (e.g., plaque and tartar), followed by irrigation and topical medication application around the gums to improve the condition. If left untreated, gum bleeding may progress to periodontitis, potentially resulting in tooth loosening.

Recently, some individuals experience heightened “deficient fire” (a type of internal heat associated with yin deficiency), which may trigger chronic inflammatory conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Symptoms may include gum bleeding, night sweats, tidal fever, and coughing. Individuals experiencing “excess heat” should increase fluid intake. Under a physician’s guidance, oral administration of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six Formula) may help alleviate gum bleeding associated with “excess heat.” In daily life, foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness—such as tremella fungus (silver ear) and lily bulbs—may also be beneficial.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth thoroughly both morning and night. Oral hygiene is vital for everyone. Brushing twice daily not only keeps breath fresh but also helps prevent bacterial growth. We hope this information proves helpful!


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