Why Are There Teeth Marks on the Edges of My Tongue?
The presence of tooth marks on the edges of the tongue is closely related to spleen weakness, indicating a disturbance in water-damp metabolism. This is further associated with spleen weakness and dampness excess, which can be caused by external or internal dampness, leading to tooth marks on the tongue edges and a greasy, white tongue coating. To address this condition, it is crucial to strengthen one's diet by avoiding overeating and sticking to bland, light foods.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is considered one of the five organs and is responsible for transporting and transforming water-damp. Weakness of the spleen can lead to a metabolic imbalance of water-damp, resulting in the retention of dampness within the body, which can trigger various diseases. This retention occurs when water-damp is unable to be expelled from the body.
Moreover, spleen weakness and dampness excess can be attributed to two main causes: external dampness and internal dampness. External dampness arises from living in a damp environment or being exposed to rain and water, allowing external dampness to enter the body and increasing the burden on the spleen's transportation function. This can further weaken the spleen and exacerbate water-damp metabolic disorders, creating a vicious cycle.
On the other hand, internal dampness is caused by overeating, excessive consumption of cold and greasy foods, which weaken the spleen and stomach functions, leading to internal retention of water-damp.
The most prominent symptom of spleen weakness and dampness excess is the presence of tooth marks on the edges of the tongue, accompanied by a greasy and white tongue coating. Additionally, patients may also experience symptoms such as cold extremities, fatigue, and a yellowish complexion.
Since overeating, consumption of cold and greasy foods can lead to spleen weakness and dampness excess, it is crucial to avoid these foods in daily life and adopt a bland and light diet.
