Many people assume a toothache is caused by "internal heat" (shanghuo), but using heat-clearing and detoxifying medications often yields little result. This is because toothaches are categorized into various types, and treatment must be tailored to the specific symptoms. Today, I will share three common scenarios with you.

First, if your toothache is intense and comes in waves—especially if it is triggered or worsened by wind, relieved by cold, and aggravated by heat—and is accompanied by symptoms such as a red tongue, white coating, thirst, and swollen gums, this is likely "Wind-Fire Toothache." You may consider *Yin Qiao San* to disperse wind, clear heat, detoxify, and reduce swelling.

Secondly, if the intense toothache is accompanied by severe gum swelling, pus or bleeding, as well as thirst, bad breath, constipation, and a thick yellow tongue coating, this is mostly "Stomach-Fire Toothache." You may consider *Qing Wei San* to clear stomach fire, cool the blood, and relieve pain.

Lastly, if there is a dull, lingering toothache with slight gum swelling and a lack of strength when biting, accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, soreness in the lower back and knees, and a red tongue, this is often caused by "Deficiency Fire" rising to the gums due to Kidney Yin deficiency. You may consider a modified *Zhi Bai Di Huang Tang* to nourish Yin and lower the fire.

A reminder to everyone: Traditional Chinese Medicine requires syndrome differentiation. If needed, please consult a professional physician for timely diagnosis, treatment, and conditioning.