Dental & Oral Health

In Western medicine, oral health, as endorsed by the World Health Organization, covers an array of conditions such as tooth decay and gum diseases and is considered a vital indicator of overall health, with potential links to cardiovascular diseases (Petersen et al., 2005, Bulletin of the World Health Organization). Conversely, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) evaluates dental and oral health issues on an individual basis. For instance, TCM attributes loose teeth to two primary disharmonies: Kidney essence deficiency, associated with symptoms like tinnitus and dizziness, which plays a role in bone growth and development (Chen et al., 2014, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine), and Kidney Yang deficiency, which is related to internal cold and weakness, potentially affecting other organs like the heart, spleen, and lungs (Zhang et al., 2013, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Thus, each medical paradigm offers unique perspectives on oral health's underlying mechanisms and broader health implications.