What disease does a tooth-marked tongue indicate?

Tooth marks on the tongue indicate an underlying health condition—primarily caused by internal dampness or deficiency of Qi and blood.

What disease does tooth-marked tongue signify?

A tooth-marked tongue is referred to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as “tooth-printed tongue” or “scalloped tongue.” It typically results from pressure exerted on the enlarged, swollen tongue by the teeth. This enlargement is commonly attributable to Spleen deficiency, leading to a flaccid, enlarged tongue that becomes indented by the teeth. Tongue edema may arise from Yang deficiency combined with Spleen-dampness; alternatively, laxity of the tongue muscles and insufficient mouth opening may also stem from Spleen deficiency. Excessive cold-dampness can cause the tongue to appear pale and moist, with prominent tooth impressions. Possible causes of tooth marks on the tongue include: (1) Spleen- and Stomach-Qi deficiency, or (2) underlying infectious conditions. Recommended herbal formulas for regulation include Xiao Yao He Wei Wan (Free-and-Easy Wanderer Harmonizing Stomach Pills), Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six Formula), and Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills).

In TCM, tooth impressions on the tongue are considered indicative of Spleen deficiency with internal dampness—termed “scalloped tongue.” Due to weakened Spleen function (impaired transportation and transformation), phlegm-damp accumulates internally, causing fluid retention and swelling of the tongue, which then becomes indented by the teeth.

Therefore, treatment focuses primarily on strengthening the Spleen, tonifying Qi, promoting diuresis, and resolving dampness. Patented herbal formulas such as Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pills), Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder), and Er Chen Wan (Two-Ingredient Damp-Resolving Pill) may be used for herbal regulation. Additionally, decoctions made from茯苓 (Poria), 白术 (Atractylodes), 桂枝 (Cassia Twig), and 炙甘草 (Honey-fried Licorice) can be consumed as tea to strengthen the Spleen and resolve dampness. Porridges prepared with red beans, coix seed (Job’s tears), ginger, jujubes (Chinese dates), and Chinese yam also support Spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving functions, thereby helping alleviate associated symptoms. We hope this information proves helpful!