Symptom family: Oral Inflammations and Infections

Sub-symptom(s): Lower Gum Pain

Root Causes of Painful Gums in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Painful gums according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Painful Gums

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Painful gums, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Painful Gums

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Painful gums, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Painful Gums

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address painful gums, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood

All Formulas Recommended for Painful Gums Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang Stomach Heat or Fire

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for painful gums

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire

Acupoints for Painful Gums

Explore below some acupoints used to address painful gums, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
Yemen TB-2

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Jiaosun TB-20

Jiaosun TB-20

Directly above the ear apex, within the hairline of the temple.

Ermen TB-21

Ermen TB-21

In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and slightly superior to the condyloid process of the mandible. The point should be located and needled with mouth open. Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 are located below Ermen TB-21.

Duiduan DU-27

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

Chengjiang REN-24

Chengjiang REN-24

On the midline, in the center of the mentolabial groove.

Tianchong GB-9

Tianchong GB-9

Posterior and superior to the auricle, about 0.5 cun posterior to Shuaigu GB-8.

Xiaguan ST-7

Xiaguan ST-7

In the depression at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, anterior to the condyloid process of the mandible. Xiaguan ST-7 is located when the mouth is closed.