Root Causes of Swollen Gums in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Swollen 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 Swollen Gums

Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Bleeding Gums Toothache Headaches Stomatitis Periodontitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Swelling 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
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Swelling gums, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan 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 Swollen Gums

Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Bleeding Gums Toothache Headaches Stomatitis Periodontitis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Swelling 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
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Swelling gums, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Swollen Gums

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • 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 Swollen Gums Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yu Nu Jian Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Wen Dan Tang Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
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 swollen gums

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

Acupoints for Swollen Gums

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

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Governing Vessel
Tianchong GB-9

Tianchong GB-9

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

Muchuang GB-16

Muchuang GB-16

1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.

Jiachengjiang EX-HN

Jiachengjiang EX-HN

1 cun lateral to the center of the mentolabial groove.

Jiaosun TB-20

Jiaosun TB-20

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

Xiaohai SI-8

Xiaohai SI-8

Between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.