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[Appendix] The teeth are governed by the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: When the Qi of the Foot-Shaoyin meridian ceases, the bones become withered. Shaoyin is the pulse of winter, where Yin Qi lies dormant and moistens the bone marrow. Therefore, if the bones are not moistened, the flesh cannot adhere. If flesh and bone do not adhere closely, the flesh becomes soft and recedes; when the flesh recedes, the teeth appear long and accumulate dirt, and the hair loses its luster. Hair losing luster indicates that the bones are failing first; when the condition becomes critical, death ensues due to Earth overcoming Water. The *Su Wen* states: At the age of eight, a man's Kidney Qi becomes substantial, his hair grows, and his teeth change. At the age of forty, his Kidney Qi declines, his teeth become dry, and his hair falls out. It also states: In cases of Kidney Heat, the complexion turns black and the teeth become dry. When the Shaoyin meridian ends, the face turns black, the teeth appear long and dirty, abdominal distension and blockage occur, with no communication between the upper and lower parts, leading to death. Dai Fu'an stated: Kidney deficiency causes floating gums and pain; in severe cases, there is aversion to cold and heat, with symptoms resembling impending loss. Formulas such as An Shen Wan (Kidney-Anchoring Pill), Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), and Hei Xi Dan (Black Tin Pill) are suitable).

[Upper Gingiva] (Also known as Yin, referring to the gum tissue at the root of the teeth) belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: The Foot-Yangming meridian runs along the lateral side of the nose and enters the upper teeth. The *Zhen Jing* states: For pain in the upper teeth, which prefers cold and dislikes heat, treat with Yuan-Source point Chongyang (ST42) of the Foot-Yangming meridian, located five cun above the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the bones where the pulse beats. Zhu Danxi suggested moxibustion on Zusanli (ST36). Zusanli is the He-Sea point of the Foot-Yangming meridian, located three finger-widths below the lateral aspect of the knee, approximately one finger-width lateral to the tibia, in the depression between two tendons. It further states: A branch of the Foot-Yangming meridian enters the teeth, named Jiaosun (GB7); for caries of the upper teeth, this point is selected. The *Su Wen* states: When pathogenic factors invade the Foot-Yangming meridian, it causes nasal congestion and epistaxis. Cold in the upper teeth, transmitted via Miao transmission, leads to cold pain in the teeth and lips; observe blood stasis in the veins on the back of the hand and remove it by bleeding. There is a point one cun above the nail on the middle toe of the Foot-Yangming meridian. Li Dongyuan stated: The upper gingiva belongs to Kun Earth and is penetrated and connected by the Foot-Yangming Stomach meridian. Since the upper gingiva remains still, for pain in the upper teeth caused by this region, Sheng Ma San (Cimicifuga Powder) is appropriate).

[Lower Gingiva] belongs to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: The Hand-Yangming meridian has a branch entering the teeth, named Daying (LI19); for caries of the lower teeth, this point is selected. It also states: A branch of the Hand-Yangming meridian passes through the cheek and enters the lower teeth. The *Zhen Jing* states: For pain in the lower teeth, which prefers heat and dislikes cold, treat with Yuan-Source point Hegu (LI4) of the Hand-Yangming meridian, located in the depression between the metacarpal bones of the thumb and index finger. Zhu Danxi suggested moxibustion on Sanjian (LI3). Sanjian is the Shu-Stream point of the Hand-Yangming meridian, located in the medial crease of the bone behind the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and index finger, at the junction of red and white skin. Wang Qixuan stated: The Hand-Yangming meridian passes through the cheek into the lower teeth; therefore, seven points in the Hand-Yangming meridian—Shangyang (LI1), Erjian (LI2), Sanjian (LI3), Hegu (LI4), Yangxi (LI5), Pianli (LI6), and Wenliu (LI7)—all govern toothache. Li Dongyuan stated: The lower gingiva moves continuously during mastication and is penetrated and connected by the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine meridian; thus, for pain in the lower teeth, Bai Zhi San (Angelica Dahurica Powder) is appropriate. Zhang Jiegu stated: Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae) removes lower toothache and clears wind-dampness from this meridian. Xue Xinpu stated: If Large Intestine Heat causes swelling and pain in the gums, Qing Wei San (Clear the Stomach Powder) treats it; in severe cases, Tiao Wei Tang (Regulate the Stomach Decoction) is used to clear heat).