Your cart is currently empty!
Oral health is not just about keeping your pearly whites sparkling; your mouth is a gateway to the health of your whole body!
But when was the last time you focused on improving your oral health? Beyond daily brushing and flossing, there are many ways to heal your mouth – including Chinese herbs for oral health.
Whether you’re struggling with irritating mouth issues like sores or bad breath, or you simply want a holistic way to protect your oral health, Chinese medicine offers a natural solution. Let’s explore why oral health is so important, and what formulas can help you find relief.
Why Care About Oral Health?
Do you only think about your oral health when it’s time for your dental check-up? You could be overlooking a vital part of your whole-body health.
The mouth (including your teeth, gums, tongue, and the intricate oral microbiome) impacts your systemic health and vice versa. Understanding the connections between oral and dental health and overall wellness can help you take proactive steps for total-body self-care.
The Oral Microbiome
Your mouth is home to a diverse community of microorganisms collectively known as the oral microbiome. This microscopic ecosystem consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. While some microorganisms are beneficial and contribute to a healthy oral environment, others can be harmful and lead to various oral health issues. How well you care for your mouth will determine the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria that thrive inside.
Your First Digestive Organ
Did you know your mouth is where digestion begins? Chewing breaks down food into smaller particles and triggers the enzymatic action of saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that start the initial breakdown of carbohydrates, which sets the stage for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption in the digestive tract.
Your Body’s Gateway to Health
Beyond helping you talk, laugh, smile, sing, and eat, your mouth is a crucial gateway to good health. When you care for your mouth, you support the health of your whole body.
However, neglecting oral health can have some serious consequences – both for your oral health and the health of your entire body. For instance, conditions such as cavities and gingivitis can cause inflammation and bacterial overgrowth that take over other parts of your body:
- Cardiovascular Health
Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The inflammation associated with gum disease may contribute to the development of heart-related issues. - Respiratory Health
Oral infections and bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory problems, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. - Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
Diabetes and oral health are closely intertwined. Periodontal disease can make it challenging to control blood sugar levels, exacerbating diabetes-related complications. - Pregnancy Complications
Gum disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature birth and low birth weight. - Pain and Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic oral inflammation can contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially worsening conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. - Cognitive Issues
Emerging research suggests a potential link between poor oral health and cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Oral Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, health conditions are identified based on the examination of symptoms, tongue characteristics, and pulse diagnosis – all signs of a certain type of imbalance.
For example, while you may be diagnosed with gingivitis by your dentist and given a treatment, a TCM practitioner would want to know what kind of gingivitis. Is it caused by too much heat? Not enough fluids? Stagnation due to stress? The same goes for any kind of disease or symptom.
Knowing your specific pattern of imbalance can help you find the right TCM herbal formula for you. Here are some main patterns of imbalance in TCM related to oral health issues:
- Heat in the Stomach and Intestines
The Stomach channel is one of the main channels that influences the mouth. As a yang organ, it is also very susceptible to heat. When heat becomes too intense in the Stomach channel, it can cause inflammation in the mouth, which leads to issues like pain, irritation, tissue damage, dryness, and bleeding. Stomach heat is a common underlying pattern for issues like toothache, bleeding gums, dry mouth (xerostomia), and bad breath. - Damp Heat
With damp heat conditions, heat, and stagnant fluids combine to create trouble in various channels or organ systems. Damp heat in the Stomach, Spleen, or Liver systems is a common cause of these types of oral health issues and will present with inflammation, irritation, foul odors, and sometimes pus or fluids. Mouth ulcers, oral abscesses, and bad breath are all common signs of damp-heat affecting the mouth. - Heart Heat
The Heart system is also related to the mouth, specifically the tip of the tongue. Ulcers or redness in the tongue can signal Heart “fire” that needs to be cleared with cooling herbs. Other symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, or mania are common with Heart heat. - Spleen Qi Deficiency
As another key organ in the TCM digestive system, the Spleen is closely related to oral health. Where the Stomach is a yang organ and susceptible to heat, the Spleen is a yin organ and more susceptible to dampness or deficiency. When the Spleen is weak, oral issues like a swollen tongue, pale and limp tongue, excess salivation, loose teeth, or sensitive teeth are common.
Common Oral Health Issues That TCM Can Help
- Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful sores that can develop inside the mouth. They are often round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border. Various factors can contribute, including minor injuries, stress, hormonal changes, and certain dietary deficiencies. Typically, mouth ulcers heal on their own within a week or two. If they become chronic, herbal formulas that clear inflammation and heal the tissue can help. - Tooth Sensitivity and Toothache
Tooth sensitivity can occur when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli. A toothache is a more persistent and often severe pain in or around a tooth. While dental treatments may be necessary, Chinese herbal formulas can help address the cause of the imbalance and relieve pain. - Bad Breath (Halitosis)
We’ve all experienced bad breath at some point. But, this annoying issue can become chronic. Poor oral hygiene, bacterial overgrowth, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions can contribute to this issue. TCM helps by using herbal remedies to counteract the cause of bad breath and restore a healthy oral microbiome. - Bleeding Gums and Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, often characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. It is usually caused by inflammation in the mouth related to heat or damp heat in the Stomach system. Herbal formulas can reduce heat and stimulate tissue healing. - Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism involves the grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. Stress is a common underlying cause, and TCM can help with herbs that calm the mind and promote peaceful sleep. - Oral Cancers
Oral cancers refer to the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, depending on the stage and type of cancer. TCM therapies (like acupuncture, herbs, and Yunnan Baiyao) can help reduce symptoms of the disease or side effects from the treatment while supporting the healing process.
The Best Chinese Herbs for Oral Health
Chinese herbal formulas are a great way to manage oral health concerns. They are not only safe and natural, but help to support the mouth by balancing the entire body. Here are a few key formulas to consider if you are struggling with issues like toothache, gingivitis, or other oral health issues:
Qing Wei Teapills
Many oral health issues are related to excess heat throwing the oral ecosystem off balance. The Qing Wei Wan formula addresses this Stomach fire with cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs to relieve toothache, swollen or bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and ulcers in and around the mouth.
Odontobothrium Support
While designed to promote overall oral health, Odontobothrium Support can be particularly helpful for addressing issues with your teeth and gums. You can use this formula for various oral health issues, including mouth ulcers, sore gums or periodontitis, toothaches, and bleeding gums caused by excess heat. Cold and anti-inflammatory herbs like Pu Gong Ying and Huang Lian restore balance and promote oral healing. This formula may be for you if you also experience burning urination, restless sleep, and night sweats.
- Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Formula) – Liquid Extract (Tincture) Starting at $14.00 Add to CartSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Tincture
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is a classical Chinese herbal formula known for its ability to clear damp heat from the body. In the context of oral health, it proves beneficial for individuals experiencing damp heat-related issues such as mouth ulcers, bad breath, and bleeding gums. You can take this tincture internally, or mix a few droppers with water to create a daily mouthwash for topical use.
- Plum Flower – Gui Pi (Gui Pi Wan)Starting at $21.23 Add to CartSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Gui Pi Wan
Gui Pi Wan is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, most often used for alleviating anxiety and insomnia. However, its benefits extend to oral health concerns when the underlying cause is linked to Spleen deficiency. If you experience symptoms like a swollen tongue, excess saliva, and slow-healing ulcers or gum issues, Spleen deficiency may be at the root of your symptoms. This formula works to strengthen the Spleen to stop swelling and encourage healing.
- Xiao Yao Tang (Free And Easy Wanderer) – Liquid Extract (Tincture)Starting at $14.00 Add to CartSelect options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Xiao Yao Wan
Do you wake up with a sore jaw from grinding your teeth at night? Or get headaches from subconsciously clenching your jaw during the day? This could be a sign of stress – yet it’s wreaking havoc on your teeth and oral health. You don’t need a pain-killer, you need to treat the stress from the root. A formula like Xiao Yao Wan helps you release pent-up stress and tension to stop surface-level issues like teeth grinding.
Open Up to A Healthier Smile with Herbal Medicine
Oral health is part of whole-body health. By prioritizing oral health, you not only preserve your teeth and gums but also contribute to your overall health and quality of life.
Chinese herbal medicine won’t take the place of your regular dental check-ups and procedures. But, using the right one for you can help you overcome oral concerns faster and prevent issues from popping back up in the future.
Shop these and other powerful TCM formulas today to protect your smile and your health!
Table of Contents
- Why Care About Oral Health?
- Oral Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
- The Best Chinese Herbs for Oral Health
- Open Up to A Healthier Smile with Herbal Medicine
About the Author
Blog Categories
- Adaptogen Articles (7)
- Brain Health Articles (9)
- Chinese Medicine Basics Articles (11)
- Chinese Medicine for Pain Articles (14)
- Chinese Medicine for Pets Articles (3)
- Chinese Medicine for Skin Conditions Articles (6)
- Chinese Medicine Formula Articles (6)
- Chinese Medicine Sleep Articles (4)
- Conditions & Concerns Articles (24)
- Digestive Issues (5)
- Health & Lifestyle Articles (17)
- Heart Health Articles (4)
- In the News (1)
- Medicinal Mushrooms Articles (7)
- Men's Health Articles (4)
- Scholarships (5)
- Weight Loss, Diet & Obesity Articles (5)
- Women's Health Articles (9)
Articles Related To The Best Chinese Herbs for Dental and Oral Health
-
Chinese Herbs and COVID-19: A Natural Way to Improve Symptoms and Immunity While the fearful frenzy of the pandemic may feel behind us. But, COVID and other viruses still threaten our well-being, and millions of people are struggling with the effects of long COVID. If the pandemic taught us anything, it was how important having…
-
What’s the secret to a long and healthy life? Giving your immune system the care it needs to keep you protected. Your immune system works for you day and night. Immune cells are constantly scouring tissue and blood to find and eliminate potential threats. Like silent warriors, these cells and organ systems work to defend…
-
Summertime is here – and it’s the prime season for outdoor activities. Whether you’re exercising outside, playing sports, or just enjoying some time in the sun with friends and family, enjoying the summer and staying active also helps you maintain your best health. But, all that extra exercise can come at a cost. Increased activity…
-
The New Year is here once again. Did you stick to last year’s resolutions and look forward to making even more progress this year? Or did you fall off track, and feel ready to start again with renewed motivation? No matter how last year played out for you, this moment offers a fresh slate to…
-
December is here, and if you’re like most people, you probably have one thing on your mind: holiday shopping. We’re here to make your holiday shopping stress-free and more meaningful this year with our Healthy Holiday Gift Guide! In a world filled with material possessions, why not give something more profound, more memorable, and more…