Brushing up on healthy mouthcare

ADVERTS for cosmetic dentistry and whitening toothpastes would have us believe that gleaming white teeth are the holy grail of good oral health.

But in the long run a bright white smile doesn’t mean much if your gums aren’t equally taken care of, or indeed if the state of your tongue is ignored.


Because while it is important to brush twice a day, these are the other, often forgotten, parts of your mouth that need to be equally taken care of.

Plaque is not only the main cause of tooth decay but also of gum disease.

Bleeding, red or inflamed gums can signify gum disease, and if left neglected, can lead to your teeth falling out, or being removed by the dentist to prevent further damage.

Brushing and flossing do not guarantee completely healthy and clean mouths, and regular visits to the dentist – a trip at least every six months is recommended – are vital too.

But it is not just about teeth and fresh breath. Our mouths can tell us more about our overall health.

According to Chinese medicine, the structure, colour and coating of the tongue also give a good guide to physical health.

Tongue analysis is a major part of Chinese medicine, which encompasses several different disciplines including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

“Your tongue is a very important indicator in your health,” says Ming Chen Robertson, who runs the Chinese Medicine and Health Centre in Leith. “In the holistic approach of Chinese medicine, the tongue is one of several indicators used.


“The inspection of the tongue is an objective and convenient way for disease diagnosis. The long history of traditional Chinese Medicine has given us a philosophy and system which has been used for over 2,000 years.”

So what can our tongues tell us? “In examining your tongue we look at coating, colour and shape, and can deduce problems associated with different organs in the body,” explains Ming Cheng.

“Colour can vary from red, through pale to pink. Shape can alter too – it can be thin, sharp, fat, scalloped. The coating, meanwhile, can be yellow, white, greasy or dry.

“Indeed the tongue is a very important and sensitive indicator, and can herald changes in the body. Experiencing tastes can show such changes. Bitter tastes can show indigestion; salty can show kidney trouble; while sweet has associations with the spleen and metallic with the liver.

“But the most common problems in oral disorder are mouth ulcers and gum disease. In Chinese Medicine, as with all disorders, the body’s energy, or chi, is adjusted by treatment.

"A correct diagnosis by tongue and other indications helps the doctor to arrive at a well adjusted energy balance. The diagnosis gives the doctor clues about your body state - internal cold, damp, and heat for example. The doctor’s treatment involves using very fine needles in acupuncture, and Chinese herbs, or massage, all of which can help to manage unwanted medical conditions.”

• Ming Chen’s Edinburgh clinic is at 24 Bernard Street, Leith. Phone [phone] or visit www.chinamedic.co.uk

Reading your tongue for signs of trouble

Gums

Normal gums are pink, unswollen and do not bleed when brushed. Gum disease can be divided into two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a superficial infection. Signs include redness, bleeding gums and bad breath.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis - a more serious gum disease. Symptoms include receding gums and pain or other discomfort.

Good oral hygiene can prevent gum disease developing.

Tongue

A healthy tongue should be proportional in size and pink, with a very thin white coating that is slightly moist. Deviations from this are said by Chinese medicine practitioners to indicate a range of health problems.

Yellow Coating:

A red tongue with a yellow coating can be an indicator of constipation, skin problems, sweating and thirst. Patients are advised to avoid spicy and hot meals and instead enjoy cooling foods such as cucumber and melon. Drink plenty of water.

Swollen:

Someone with a swollen tongue which has a greasy white coating could also be suffering from stomach problems such as bloating and lethargy. Warm food and plenty of exercise are recommended.

Red-tipped:

A red-tipped tongue with a thin white coating can accompany symptoms such as stress and a tendency to get depressed. It can also be a sign that the energy from your liver may not be flowing properly. Milk thistle can be taken to detox the liver.

Pale:

A pale tongue with a thick white coating can indicate a 'yang' energy deficiency, meaning you feel cold easily and could also have a tendency to panic and feel emotionally low. Taking something to build energy up, including warm food, is recommended. A very pale tongue can also indicate anaemia and vitamin B complex is said to be a good treatment. Folic acid (for healthy red blood cells), ginger, cinnamon and ginseng are also recommended by Chinese herbalists as a means of healing the body.

Cracked:

A red, cracked tongue with little or no coating can indicate a 'ying' energy deficiency - that is, a negative or cold energy. Symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia and irregular periods. You are advised to eat a vegetable-rich diet.