"Why Does My Mouth Tend to Get Inflamed Easily?"

Oral Heatiness: Types and Treatments

Oral heatiness, also known as "mouth sores," "oral erosion," or "oral ulcer," can be categorized into four distinct conditions based on their underlying causes: accumulated heat in the spleen and stomach, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, dampness obstructing the spleen, and yin deficiency with fire excess. Here's a breakdown of each type along with their respective treatments:

1. Accumulated Heat in the Spleen and Stomach

Mouth sores typically occur on the lips, cheeks, tongue, and face. They initially appear small, either singly or in clusters, with a punctate distribution. The base is bright red, surrounded by inflamed mucosa, causing a burning sensation. In severe cases, sores may fuse into larger areas. The course of the disease is acute and short-lived, accompanied by yellow urine, constipation, dry mouth, red tongue with yellow fur, and a strong, rapid pulse. The treatment principle is to clear heat and drain fire, and medications such as Huanglian Qingwei Pill and Zhuye Shigao Decoction can be used.

2. Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach

Mouth sores predominantly affect the lips, presenting as multiple yellow erosions accompanied by halitosis and significant pain that interferes with eating. The sores start small, multiply, and gradually expand. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, dry mouth with a bitter taste, thirst without desire to drink, heaviness of the body, lethargy in the limbs, loose stools, difficult and yellow urine, red tongue with yellow and greasy fur, and a slippery, rapid pulse. The treatment focuses on clearing damp-heat, and medications like Lianpu Decoction and Ganlu Decoction can be prescribed.

3. Dampness Obstructing the Spleen

The ulcer base is grayish-white, with initial small bubbles or spots on the oral mucosa that later rupture, forming ulcers with a grayish-yellow or grayish-white surface accompanied by pain and a burning sensation. Other symptoms include poor appetite, fatigue, loose stools, a swollen tongue with tooth marks, white and greasy tongue fur, and a soft, slow pulse. The treatment principle is to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, and medications such as Guipi Pill and Shenling Baizhu Powder can be used.

4. Yin Deficiency with Fire Excess

Ulcers are scattered, commonly found on the tip or root of the tongue or on the cheek mucosa. The center of the ulcer is depressed and grayish-white, with mild redness and swelling of the surrounding mucosa, accompanied by a burning pain that is worse at night. The condition recurs or alternates between healing and flaring up, often triggered by fatigue, emotional fluctuations, menopause, or insomnia. Other symptoms include dry mouth, insomnia, hot palms and soles, yellow urine, dry and hard stools, red tongue with little fur, and a thin, rapid pulse. The treatment aims to nourish yin and drain fire, and medications like Qiju Dihuang Pill and Zhibai Dihuang Decoction can be prescribed.

The complexity of Chinese medicine's syndrome differentiation and treatment requires professional guidance from licensed practitioners. It is crucial not to self-medicate blindly to avoid adverse effects on one's health.