Tooth sensitivity refers to the weakness and discomfort of teeth when chewing food. In the Tang Dynasty, Rihuazi Chujia Bencao referred to it as "chi chu," where "chu" means "the sensation of teeth coming into contact with sourness." The "Chinese Medical Dictionary" includes an entry for "chi han," which is described as "tooth soreness."

This condition differs from sour taste in mouth, where the latter involves a sour taste in the mouth without any abnormal sensation in the teeth, whereas the former is characterized by tooth sensitivity and weakness in chewing.

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1. Spleen-kidney Qi Deficiency︰The teeth are weak and sore, aggravated by exposure to cold and also discomforted by heat, even to the point of difficulty in chewing. The pulse is deep and weak, the tongue is pale red with a thin white coating. The condition is primarily due to deficiency. Teeth are the surplus of bones, and the kidneys govern the bones. Additionally, teeth are closely related to the stomach, which connects to the spleen via a membrane. Spleen and kidney qi deficiency leads to poor nourishment of the teeth, resulting in soreness and weakness. This condition is commonly seen in elderly individuals with a prolonged course, where neither hot nor cold foods are well-tolerated, and there are no obvious precipitating factors. Treatment should focus on fortifying the spleen and tonifying the kidneys. Chewing English Walnut Seed may help alleviate symptoms, and Qing E Wan (Green Moth Pill) with modifications can be used for treatment.
2. Invasion of Wind-Cold︰The teeth are sore and weak, aggravated by exposure to cold or wind, with a preference for hot foods and aversion to cold foods. The pulse is wiry and tight, the tongue is pale and dull, and the coating is white and slippery. Tooth soreness and weakness caused by external wind-cold is primarily treated with Xieke. When wind-cold Xieke affects the teeth, they become sore and weak. This condition is commonly seen in young adults, who prefer warmth and dislike cold, often feeling a sensation of wind between the teeth. Treatment should focus on warming the meridians and dissipating cold, and formulas such as Ephedra, Asarum and Aconite Decoction may be selected.