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Plural teeth. One of the hard bony appendages of the jaw, used for chewing food. In the infant, milk teeth (deciduous teeth) grow at the age of 6–7 months, and fall out at the age of 6–7 years; they are replaced by the permanent teeth in a process known as change of teeth. The teeth are located on the lesser yīn (shào yīn) kidney channel. The teeth are the surplus of the bone, which is associated with the kidney (kidney engenders bone and marrow.) When the kidney is replete, the teeth are healthy and firm; kidney vacuity may be characterized by loosening of the teeth or desiccated teeth. The foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) channel enters the upper teeth, while the hand yáng brightness (yáng míng) channel enters the lower teeth. Tooth decay, for example, is often explained in terms of yáng brightness (yáng míng) heat. Among the seven gates, the teeth are the door gate. Diseases of or affecting the teeth and gums include: slowness to teethe; toothache; tooth decay; dry teeth; desiccated teeth; parched teeth; grinding of the teeth. See also gum.

Etymology

Chinese: 牙 yá, tooth, upper tooth, fang, tusk; 齿 chǐ, tooth, lower tooth, molar.

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