The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract, and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is governed by the Spleen. The lips are the external manifestation of Spleen. The Yang Ming channels (Stomach and Large Intestine) outline the lips and communicate with the gums (Upper gums with Stomach. Lower gums with Large Intestine).

The teeth are an extension of the bones, so they are related to Kidney.

• Tooth pain with red and inflamed gums can be Fire in Yang Ming, in which case there will be bad breath, pyorrhea, gingivitis. LI-4, ST-44 and LU-7 drain Fire and Heat, calm the pain.

If additionally the teeth become loose, there is Kidney-Qi deficiency. Add KI-3

• Gum bleeding can also be due to Earth deficiency.
• Cavities in children: Heat in Yang Ming. Massage LI-4