What does it mean when the tongue coating is thick and white with teeth marks on the edges?
Recently, I noticed in the mirror that my tongue coating is thick and white with teeth marks on the edges. May I ask what causes this?
Doctor's answer (1)
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the phenomenon of thick white tongue coating with tooth marks on the edges is usually interpreted as a manifestation of excessive dampness in the body. This phenomenon may be related to various factors, including but not limited to poor digestive system function, oral hygiene status, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. The main contributing factors include the following:
1. Frequently consuming spicy or greasy foods may lead to food accumulation, which can manifest as thickened tongue coating.
2. Long-term exposure to humid environments or consuming raw and cold foods can cause dampness accumulation in the body, resulting in thick white tongue coating accompanied by tooth marks.
3. Spleen deficiency can affect the transportation and transformation functions of the spleen and stomach, causing symptoms such as abdominal distension and poor appetite, along with white tongue coating.
4. Indigestion may also lead to increased gastrointestinal gas, further aggravating dampness accumulation, which manifests as thick white tongue coating.
5. Poor oral hygiene allows food debris and bacteria to form a thick layer of plaque on the tongue surface, presenting as thick tongue coating.
6. Long-term exposure to high stress levels may cause dysfunction of the endocrine system, thereby affecting digestive and absorptive functions and leading to internal generation of dampness.
It is recommended to improve lifestyle habits, maintain good dietary practices and oral hygiene, and engage in appropriate physical activity to promote metabolism, which can help alleviate the aforementioned symptoms.
