Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-06
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Lately, the pain flares up more often—3 to 4 days every month with intense gum swelling. When my patient asked what to do, I suggested: “First, see a dentist for a check-up.” Turns out, her wisdom teeth were impacted, making those spots hard to clean and prone to bacteria buildup. Add work stress and late nights, and her body’s “stomach fire” rises, triggering the swelling and discomfort. Curious about natural remedies? Let’s explore TCM insights!
I once treated a patient who experienced gum swelling and pain whenever she was under work stress or pulled all-nighters. The pain always struck the same spot, recurring every few months. I prescribed Chinese medicine to “clear stomach heat,” and it worked every time.
But recently, the episodes became more frequent—3 to 4 days of severe gum pain each month. She asked me what to do, and I suggested: “First, see a dentist for a check-up.” The exam revealed her wisdom teeth were impacted and hard to clean, breeding bacteria. Combined with stress and late nights, this caused “stomach fire” to rise, leading to swelling and pain. We treated it with a stomach heat-clearing prescription, and once the inflammation subsided, she got her wisdom teeth handled by the dentist.
After the wisdom teeth were dealt with, and with better sleep habits, her gum issues never returned.
This case gives us two key takeaways:
1. Identify Gum Swelling Causes
Gingivitis and periodontitis are common culprits for gum swelling and pain. Poor oral hygiene, incomplete cleaning, or untreated cavities can lead to inflammation and these symptoms.
Not all gum pain stems from bacteria or viruses—it can tie into hormonal imbalances in women, like during menstruation or pregnancy. Plus, indulging in spicy, stimulating, or fried foods can easily trigger “heat” buildup, causing gum swelling.
In Hong Kong, people often chalk up gum pain to “internal heat” and reach for cooling Chinese herbal teas. If a couple of doses don’t help, it’s time to see a dentist to pinpoint the real cause.
2. Gum Pain Often Stems Elsewhere
Beyond oral hygiene, bodily changes can spark gum swelling. These fall into excess (real) or deficiency (virtual) patterns. “Rising stomach fire” is excess, while “rising deficiency fire” is deficiency.
Excess “stomach fire” relates to digestion issues, fueled by spicy or rich foods. This fire travels along the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian from the stomach to the teeth and gums, causing swelling or toothache. Signs include thirst for cold drinks, constipation, yellow urine, bad breath, and a red tongue with yellow coating—all hallmarks of rampant stomach fire.
“Deficiency fire” gum pain often points to “liver-kidney yin deficiency,” linked to hormonal shifts, stress, and late nights in women. Chronic overexertion depletes yin and blood, leading to dull pain, gum atrophy, loose teeth, weak biting, plus symptoms like lower back pain and dizziness.
3. 3 Acupoints for Gum Pain Relief
The ancient text “Zhu Bing Yuan Hou Lun” states: “The branch of the Hand Yangming enters the teeth, and the Foot Yangming branch spreads to the teeth.” So, for toothache, we target Hand and Foot Yangming Meridian points. Acupuncture master Professor Shi Xuemin shares three key points: Hegu, Xiaguan, and Jiache. Press them with your thumb for a few minutes for notable pain relief. If accurate, you’ll feel a sour, swelling sensation—that’s “getting qi” in TCM terms.
- Hegu
Clasp your fingers; the highest point of the muscle bulge at the thumb base is Hegu.
- Xiaguan
In front of the ear, the depression between the cheekbone and jaw. It’s concave when mouth is closed, raised when open—that’s Xiaguan.
- Jiache
On the cheek, just above the jaw angle, about one finger’s width below the ear. The depression that appears when chewing.
No matter the cause, consistent routines and diet are key for gum health. If it recurs often, see a dentist pronto. Stick to light meals, load up on fresh veggies and fruits—bitter melon in summer, or fruits like apple , pear, or dragon fruit. Skip fried, greasy stuff, and cut back on coffee and chocolate to avoid irritation.
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