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The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "Just as there are arranged stars in the heavens, so too do humans have teeth." It further states: "The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian enters into the lower teeth. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian enters into the upper teeth." Chen Feixia stated: "The upper teeth belong to the Stomach, the lower teeth belong to the Large Intestine, and the teeth fundamentally belong to the Kidney. Any delay in tooth eruption indicates insufficient Kidney Qi. Since the Kidney governs the bones, and teeth are the surplus of the bones, insufficiency leads to marrow deficiency, which fails to fill and nourish the teeth. Therefore, delayed eruption is treated with Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill). Swelling of the upper and lower alveolar ridges is caused by excess heat in the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Yangming meridians. Liangge San (Cooling the Diaphragm Powder) serves as the principal formula, supplemented with Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), to be frequently held in the mouth and swallowed. Gum swelling results from accumulated heat in the Kidney, attaching to the gums causing pain and swelling. Pricking with a needle to release blood, washing with salt water, and applying Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) powder is effective. If children consume excessive fatty meat, leading to foul-smelling, rotting teeth that are unbearable to approach, this is named 'Chouxi' (Foul Breath), indicating excess heat in the Stomach and膈 (Diaphragm). Internally administer Hangxie Dan, and externally use Jingzhuli (Ampelopsis Japonica Juice) mixed with Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) for gargling. Dental gangrene initially presents with foul odor, followed by blackening of the teeth. In severe cases, gum tissue rots and bleeds, named 'Xuanlu' (Exposure). This arises from Kidney heat rushing directly to the Upper Jiao; thus, it is likened to a 'running horse' due to its rapid progression, requiring urgent treatment. If the upper and lower lips crack, the nose perforates, and teeth fall out, it is named 'Bengsha'. With panting, tidal phlegm, and reduced appetite, it becomes incurable. Internally administer Hangxie Dan, and externally apply Rusheng San. Grinding teeth during dreams indicates Wind-Heat. Accumulated heat in the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Yangming meridians generates Wind, causing teeth to strike each other and produce sound, occurring specifically during sleep. Wind belongs to the Yangming meridian; when active, wind moves through the Yang aspects; when still, it returns inward. Xuanfeng San is indicated. This symptom of bruxism is considered a critical sign only when appearing in variola (smallpox/varioloid); otherwise, it poses no major harm. There are also cases where trembling due to illness causes jaw clenching and tooth chattering; treating the root condition will stop it naturally. Teeth falling out and not regrowing is due to tongue licking. The tissue becomes hard and thick; pricking with a needle to release blood and applying Shugu San allows regeneration.

Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction) (see previous Asthma/Wheezing formulas)
Liangge San (Cooling the Diaphragm Powder) (see previous)
Hangxie Dan (see previous Dampness Injury formulas)
Rusheng San treats pediatric running horse dental gangrene and Bengsha/Xuanlu.
Scrape white scale from a woman's urine bucket, burn on a tile until smoke ceases, add Tonglv (Malachite) two fen, Muxiang (Musk) five li, grind to fine powder. First wash the area with rice water infused with Laoye leaves, then apply this medicine.
Xuanfeng San treats pediatric dream-related bruxism.
Jian Binglang (Arecae Semen, 5 liang), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1.5 liang), Qianniu (Pharbitidis Semen, 1 liang stir-fried, take the first flour), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 5 qian). Grind to fine powder. Take 1-2 qian per dose, mixed with honey, taken on an empty stomach.
Tu Weisheng commented: Examining the ingredients of Xuanfeng San, they are mostly qi-breaking and food-digesting herbs, with none dispelling wind. This proves that dream-bruxism is also heat from food stagnation; naming it 'wind' is half incorrect.
Shugu San treats pediatric tooth loss without regrowth.
Take one male rat, remove skin thoroughly. Roast the whole bone until dry, grind to fine powder, add Muxiang (Musk) one fen. Apply to the puncture site, wait a while, then rinse with ginger soup.
Tu Weisheng commented: Apart from delayed eruption and gum swelling, pediatric toothache is rare. However, I have found a formula for Deficient Fire Toothache that acts fastest and works miraculously. Teeth belong to the Kidney. When Kidney Yin is deficient, it cannot ascend to nourish, leading to blazing Deficient Fire that scorches teeth causing pain. The treatment must nourish Yin, descend fire, and clear Yangming dryness. Use Jiawei Yunnv Jian (Modified Jade Woman Decoction). For non-wind-fire toothaches, take one slice of garlic, mash into paste, add a little Qingfen (Calomel), place in a small clam shell, and apply to the Hukou acupoint (below Hegu). Heat until extreme pain, then remove. A blister forms instantly; prick it with a needle to drain yellow fluid, and toothache stops immediately, never returning. This is only effective if the toothache is due to wind-fire internal heat; otherwise, efficacy is poor.
Jiawei Yunnv Jian (Modified Jade Woman Decoction)
Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 2 qian), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 qian), Gusuibu (Drynariae Rhizoma, 1 qian), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 1 qian), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, 1 qian), Cundong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 1 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Huai Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 2 qian).