Oral health plays a vital role in your overall well-being. Unfortunately, dental problems are among the most common health issues, affecting people across all age groups. From simple plaque buildup to complex procedures like full-mouth rehabilitation, dental care requires attention, precision, and timely intervention.

As a trusted dentist in Kharghar, Dr. Ganesh Bhandari emphasizes the importance of understanding common dental issues so patients can identify symptoms early and seek prompt treatment. In this blog, we discuss the top 10 dental problems, their causes, symptoms, and recommended treatments.

1. Stains and Tartar Buildup

Over time, stains and tartar form on teeth due to plaque accumulation and exposure to staining substances. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

Causes:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Regular consumption of tea, coffee, or red wine
• Inadequate brushing or flossing
• Lack of professional dental cleaning

Symptoms:

• Yellow or brown discoloration
• Rough tooth surfaces
• Gum inflammation or bleeding
• Persistent bad breath

Treatment:

• Professional gum cleaning (scaling and polishing) is the most effective way to remove tartar and surface stains.
  
  
• Patients are advised to get professional cleaning every 6 months for optimal gum health and stain prevention.
  
  

2. Tooth Pain: Infected vs. Non-Infected Teeth

Tooth pain is a warning sign that should never be ignored. The intensity of the pain often depends on whether the tooth is infected or simply decayed.

Causes:

• Dental caries (tooth decay)
• Cracks or fractures
• Deep fillings near the nerve
• Pulpal infection

Treatment:

• Infected Teeth: Require Root Canal Treatment (RCT) to clean and seal the canal.
• Non-Infected Teeth: Can often be saved with deep fillings, provided the decay hasn’t reached the nerve.

Timely treatment prevents further complications like abscesses or tooth loss.

3. Bad Breath 

Persistent bad breath is more than just a cosmetic issue—it often points to underlying oral health problems.

Causes:

• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum infections
• Tongue coating
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Treatment:

• Professional cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria
• Improved oral hygiene practices including tongue cleaning
• Use of antiseptic mouthwashes
• Treating any gum disease contributing to bad breath
  
  

4. Missing Teeth: bridges, implants or dentures

Missing teeth can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. They also lead to bone loss and shifting of nearby teeth over time.

Causes:

• Advanced tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• Trauma or injury
• Failed root canal
  
  

Treatment Options:

• Dental Bridges: Fixed prosthesis using adjacent teeth as anchors.
• Dental Implants: Titanium-based artificial roots surgically placed into the jawbone.
• Dentures: Removable replacements for multiple missing teeth.

Each option has its advantages, and Dr. Ganesh Bhandari can help choose the most suitable one based on individual needs.

5. Malaligned Teeth: Beyond Cosmetic Concern

Crooked or crowded teeth can cause more than aesthetic concerns. They often interfere with proper cleaning and bite alignment.

Causes:

• Genetics
• Habits like thumb-sucking
• Early loss of milk teeth
• Jaw development issues

Treatment:

• Braces (metal or ceramic): Traditional yet highly effective for children and adults.
• Clear Aligners: Aesthetic and removable, these are a modern alternative to braces.

Proper alignment not only improves appearance but also prevents plaque retention and early tooth wear.

6. Yellow Teeth: Understanding Discoloration

Many patients complain of yellow or dull-looking teeth, which can significantly affect self-confidence.

Causes:

• Age-related enamel thinning
• Smoking
• Excessive consumption of staining beverages
• Poor oral hygiene

Treatment:

• Teeth Bleaching: Safe, in-clinic procedure to lighten tooth shade by several levels.
• Dental Veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to front teeth to enhance color and shape.

Dr. Ganesh Bhandari recommends avoiding over-the-counter whitening kits, as they may damage enamel if misused.

7. Wisdom Tooth Pain: When Extraction is the Best Option

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually erupt between ages 17–25. Due to lack of space, they often get impacted—partially or fully trapped in the jaw.

Symptoms:

• Pain at the back of the mouth
• Swelling in the gums or jaw
• Redness or inflammation
• Difficulty opening the mouth

Related Condition:

• Pericoronitis: Inflammation due to partially erupted wisdom tooth and excess gum tissue.
• May lead to pericoronal abscess if untreated.

Treatment:

• Wisdom tooth extraction under local anesthesia
• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications if infection is present

Early intervention can prevent complications and reduce recovery time.

8. Tooth Wear and Sensitivity

Tooth wear is the progressive loss of tooth structure due to mechanical or chemical factors. Sensitivity often follows when the dentin is exposed.

Causes:

• Bruxism: Night-time grinding or clenching
• Acidic foods and drinks
• Gum recession exposing root surfaces
• Overbrushing with a hard-bristled brush

Treatment:

• Night Guards: Custom-fit appliances that protect teeth from grinding
• Sensitivity Mouthwashes and Toothpastes
• Full Mouth Rehabilitation: In severe cases, crowns or composite build-ups restore function and aesthetics

Proper brushing techniques and reducing acidic food intake are essential for prevention.

9. Burning Sensation in the Mouth

This uncommon but distressing symptom can significantly impact eating and speaking comfort.

Causes:

• Vitamin B-complex, iron, or folic acid deficiency
• Poor oral hygiene
• Gum inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances (especially in post-menopausal women)

Treatment:

• Blood tests to identify deficiencies
• Nutritional supplements
• Regular gum cleaning and oral hygiene maintenance

Burning mouth syndrome should always be examined thoroughly to rule out systemic conditions.

10. Discolored or Broken Fillings

Dental fillings are not lifelong restorations. Over time, they may discolor, crack, or detach.

Causes:

• Chewing hard foods
• Natural wear and tear
• Improper bite alignment
• Poor-quality materials

Symptoms:

• Darkened or stained filling surface
• Sensitivity while chewing
• Food getting stuck around the filling
  
  

Treatment:

• Replacing the filling every 2–3 years is recommended for aesthetics and structural integrity.
• Composite Resin Fillings: Modern, tooth-colored material that blends with natural enamel.

Regular dental check-ups help monitor the condition of existing fillings and avoid secondary decay.

Why Choose Dr. Ganesh Bhandari – Best Dentist in Kharghar?

When it comes to managing and treating dental problems effectively, experience, precision, and care make all the difference. At Dr. Ganesh Bhandari’s clinic, you’ll receive:

Personalized care plans based on your oral health
State-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnosis
Patient education to help you maintain long-term results
  Comfortable and ethical treatment approach

Conclusion

Dental problems may start small, but if neglected, they can evolve into serious health concerns. Early detection and prompt care can make all the difference in saving your teeth and preserving your smile.

If you’re experiencing any of the issues discussed above, don’t wait until it worsens. Consult Dr. Ganesh Bhandari, your trusted dentist in Kharghar, for comprehensive and advanced dental care.