Why Does My Tongue Appear Swollen with Tooth Marks and Thick White Coating?

The appearance of a swollen tongue with tooth marks and thick white coating is a sign of tongue pathology, which can be closely related to factors such as high mental stress, irregular diet, and excessive weight. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, this is a clinical manifestation caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach and excess dampness. Effective conditioning should be carried out from multiple aspects, with syndrome differentiation and treatment, so that the tongue can return to a healthy state.

1. Mental factors. If a patient experiences long-term work or study pressure, poor rest, and excessive mental stress, it can lead to stiffness or spasms in the jaw and facial muscles, causing tooth marks to worsen.

2. Irregular diet. If a patient frequently overeats, eats greasy food, it can also lead to a thick coating and enlarged tongue.

3. Excessive weight. Most patients with enlarged tongues and severe tooth marks are obese and may be accompanied by sleep apnea. Active exercise and weight loss are necessary.

A white tongue coating with tooth marks is generally a manifestation of spleen deficiency and dampness. For insufficient spleen qi, if fatigue and lethargy are evident, Astragalus or Pseudostellaria root can be used as a tea substitute. After soaking in water, the Astragalus and Pseudostellaria root can be chewed and swallowed directly. Avoid drinking cold beverages, which can damage the yang qi of the spleen and stomach, and increase the symptoms of spleen deficiency and dampness.

At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine formulations for strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness, such as Shenling Baishu San, can be used to strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness. Regular exercise and proper nutrition are also necessary to replenish the body's vital qi.