What causes a red tongue with teeth marks?

Possible causes of a red tongue coating with tooth marks may include the following: 1. Dietary factors: Consuming large amounts of protein-rich foods (such as milk, soybeans, eggs, etc.) may lead to food residue, causing the tongue coating to appear red and exhibit tooth marks. 2. Spleen and stomach deficiency: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), weakness in the spleen and stomach can impair digestive function and disrupt fluid metabolism, resulting in a red tongue coating accompanied by tooth marks. 3. Qi deficiency: Insufficient vital energy (Qi) leads to diminished organ function and impaired fluid circulation, potentially causing edema, a scalloped tongue edge, redness on the tongue surface, and tooth marks. 4. Stomach yin deficiency: Inadequate stomach yin may allow pathogenic heat to disturb the stomach, affecting normal gastric function and leading to a red tongue coating with tooth marks. 5. Food stagnation: Long-term alcohol consumption or poor dietary habits may cause food accumulation, impairing the digestive system and contributing to spleen-stomach deficiency, a red tongue coating, and tooth marks. If symptoms persist or other discomforts develop, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.