Pain in tooth
What you feelUsually it is concentrated to a particular tooth but in many cases we feel radiating pain along the nerve course means part of jaw or face, even ear pain and headache.
Why it happensIt is due to infected pulp or abscess below tooth, or many times failed previous dental treatments.
Clinical Advice1. Clinical evaluation
2. Heat and Cold test
3. Tap test / POP test (Pain On Percussion)
4. X-ray Evaluation.
2. Heat and Cold test
3. Tap test / POP test (Pain On Percussion)
4. X-ray Evaluation.
Treatment NoteYour doctor may suggest you RCT or Extraction of tooth.
Sensitivity in teeth
What you feelYou may feel mild to moderate sensations / currents while using a particular tooth or side of jaw.
Why it happensIt usually happens due to recession of gums, attrition in teeth, trauma from occlusion, abrasion in teeth (excessive brushing), Erosion (excessive intake of citrus food), or Cavities.
Clinical AdviceHeat and Cold test, X-ray Evaluation.
Treatment NoteYour doctor may suggest using De-sensitizing Pastes, Composite restoration or RCT of tooth.
Swelling in gums
What you feelMild to moderate bulge in gums near tooth which may or may not be painful, with or without a sinus tract discharging pus.
Why it happensInfected pulp or abscess below tooth, excessive food accumulation causing pockets, or failed previous treatments.
Clinical AdviceCheck tenderness, extent of swelling and X-ray Evaluation.
Treatment NoteYour doctor may suggest you RCT, Re-RCT or Extraction of tooth.
Tooth Decay - Caries in tooth
What you feelSmall pits, black lines or visible holes on any surface of a tooth. Sometimes part of the tooth is fractured if cavities are deep.
Why it happensAccumulated food and bacterial action causes acidic byproducts which dissolve the calcium of the tooth surface.
Clinical AdviceClinical Evaluation and X-ray Evaluation.
Treatment NoteYour doctor may suggest Composite restoration, RCT, or extraction in late cases.
Bleeding from gums
What you feelBleeding in gums when poked with a brush or hard food. Mild to moderate yellow staining and calculus layers on teeth.
Why it happensImproper brushing, lack of flossing, missed regular Scaling. Habits like tea, coffee, smoking, and tobacco contribute.
Clinical AdviceCheck for stains, calcium layerings near gums, and halitosis (bad breath).
Treatment NoteYour doctor may suggest Scaling (Teeth cleaning procedure).
Halitosis - Bad breath
What you feelAn unpleasant or foul odor originating from the mouth when exhaling. Can be temporary or chronic.
Why it happensPoor oral hygiene, unclean tongue, hidden cavities, diet, dry mouth, smoking, or acidity reflexes.
Clinical AdviceCheck for stains, calculus, bleeding gums, tongue cleanliness, and hidden dental cavities.
Treatment NoteScaling, mouthwash, interdental brushes, or Ayurveda advice for acidity reflexes.
Attrition in tooth
What you feelSharp edges or depressions on chewing surfaces. Associated with sensitivity, chewing pain, or TMJ joint issues.
Why it happensMost commonly caused by bruxism (night grinding) due to muscle tension, TMD, or bite misalignment.
Clinical AdviceClinical and X-ray evaluation of teeth and Temporo-mandibular joint.
Treatment NoteSplint, Biteguard, TMJ analysis (T-scan, CBCT), or Composite/RCT for affected teeth.
Abrasion in tooth
What you feelWearing down of tooth structure, typically a "ditch" near the gum line, leading to sensitivity.
Why it happensRepeated mechanical friction from brushing too hard, abrasive toothpaste, or using teeth as tools.
Clinical AdviceCheck depth of ditch formed and extent horizontally. X-ray Evaluation.
Treatment NoteComposite restoration (though prone to dislodging), or RCT if sensitivity is severe. Use a soft brush.
TMJ Issues - Joint pain
What you feelPain opening/closing jaws, radiating pain near the ear, clicking sounds, or a locked jaw.
Why it happensImproper eating habits (using one side), Bruxism, Anxiety disorders, or excessive grinding.
Clinical AdviceClinical evaluation of movements. Open/Closed mouth X-rays, T-scan, CBCT, or MRI.
Treatment NoteSymptomatic treatment + Bite Guards + Muscle exercises. Requires patient cooperation.
Mobility in teeth
What you feelMild to severe movement in teeth, usually painless as it develops over years.
Why it happensPoor oral hygiene, excessive brushing force, periodontitis, failed RCT, or chronic decay.
Clinical AdviceCheck Grade (I, II, or III) of mobility.
Treatment NoteGrade I: Scaling. Grade II: Flap Surgery/Root Planing. Grade III: Extraction.
Missing teeth
What you feelEmpty spaces from missing or previously extracted teeth.
Why it happensExtracted due to mobility, failed treatment, fractures, or accidents.
Clinical AdviceSite evaluation, X-ray for bone analysis, CBCT for implants.
Treatment NoteOptions: 1. Removable Dentures, 2. Dental Bridges, 3. Dental Implants.
Wisdom tooth problems
What you feelSwelling in gums, food lodgement, pus at the back of the jaw, and restricted mouth opening.
Why it happensIncorrect angulation or impaction of the 3rd molar, which can damage the adjacent tooth.
Clinical AdviceCheck swelling extent, X-ray or CBCT scan.
Treatment NoteSurgical extraction of the wisdom tooth and evaluation of the 2nd molar.
Mal-aligned or crooked teeth
What you feelProtruded teeth, gaps, open bite, cross bite, or crowding.
Why it happensEruption forces, late exfoliation, extra teeth, or habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Clinical AdviceOrthodontic evaluation, OPG or CBCT scan.
Treatment NoteOrthodontic intervention (Braces, Aligners).
Abnormal bite
What you feelMisalignment of upper and lower teeth (Crossbite, Overbite, Underbite, Deepbite).
Why it happensGenetics, improper jaw development, or childhood habits.
Clinical AdviceSeek an orthodontist early to prevent complications.
Treatment NoteBraces, retainers, or surgical correction in severe cases.
Abnormal tooth size
What you feelTeeth that are significantly larger (Macrodontia) or smaller (Microdontia) than normal.
Why it happensGenetic influences, developmental abnormalities during formation.
Clinical AdviceCosmetic or orthodontic assessment to address discrepancies.
Treatment NoteVeneers, dental bonding, or clear aligners.
Pericoronitis
What you feelPain, swelling, difficulty opening mouth, and pus discharge around a partially erupted tooth.
Why it happensA flap of gum tissue traps food and bacteria over a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Clinical AdviceCheck for inflammation, radiating pain, and pus.
Treatment NoteWarm salt rinses, antibiotics, operculectomy (flap removal), or extraction.
Yellow Stains on teeth
What you feelDiscoloration giving teeth a yellowish hue.
Why it happensCoffee, tea, tobacco, plaque buildup, aging, or certain medications.
Clinical AdviceProfessional cleaning and whitening assessment.
Treatment NoteTeeth whitening treatments or lifestyle modifications.
Calculus / Tartar on teeth
What you feelHardened deposits on teeth near the gumline.
Why it happensMineralized plaque due to irregular brushing and missed cleanings.
Clinical AdviceRequires professional dental instruments to remove.
Treatment NoteProfessional scaling and strict oral hygiene routing.
Black stains on gums
What you feelDark pigmentation or buildup on the gum tissue.
Why it happensGenetics, ethnic background, smoking, or certain medications.
Clinical AdviceConsult a dentist to rule out underlying issues. Quit smoking if applicable.
Treatment NoteOften harmless, but cosmetic procedures (gum depigmentation) are available.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
What you feelInvoluntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.
Why it happensStress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or sleep disorders.
Clinical AdviceProtect teeth with a mouthguard. Address underlying stress.
Treatment NoteNight guard fabrication and stress management techniques.
Jaw pain
What you feelDiscomfort or pain in the jaw area, including muscles and TMJ.
Why it happensTMD, teeth grinding, stress, arthritis, or dental conditions.
Clinical AdviceAvoid hard foods, apply warm compress, and seek professional evaluation.
Treatment NoteMouthguards, muscle relaxants, or targeted physical therapy.
Stiffness in jaws
What you feelReduced mobility or flexibility when trying to open the mouth.
Why it happensTMD, muscle tension, bruxism, arthritis, or injury.
Clinical AdviceGentle exercises, warm compress, and stress management.
Treatment NoteMedical evaluation is necessary if it persists to prevent locking.
Swelling in the cheeks
What you feelAbnormal puffiness or enlargement of the facial soft tissue.
Why it happensSevere dental infections (abscess), salivary gland issues, trauma, or allergies.
Clinical AdviceSeek prompt attention to prevent spread of infection.
Treatment NoteAntibiotics, RCT, extraction, or specific medical intervention.
Swelling near TMJ
What you feelEnlargement or inflammation directly around the jaw joint (near ear).
Why it happensTMD flare-up, trauma, arthritis, or joint infection.
Clinical AdviceRest jaw, apply compress, and seek professional assessment.
Treatment NoteAnti-inflammatories, bite guards, or specialized joint therapy.
Extra oral Swellings
What you feelLumps or enlargements outside the mouth, on the face or neck.
Why it happensSpreading dental infections, swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or tumors.
Clinical AdviceDO NOT self-treat. Seek immediate clinical diagnosis.
Treatment NoteVaries widely from antibiotics to surgical intervention.
Mouth ulcers or canker sores
What you feelShallow, painful sores inside lips, cheeks, or gums.
Why it happensMinor injuries, stress, nutritional deficiency, or immune issues.
Clinical AdviceAvoid spicy/acidic foods. If persistent over 2 weeks, consult a dentist.
Treatment NoteTopical gels, multivitamins, and hydration usually resolve them.
Recurrent tongue ulcers
What you feelPersistent and repetitive sores specifically on the tongue.
Why it happensVitamin B12/iron deficiency, sharp tooth edges rubbing, or GI issues.
Clinical AdviceCheck for sharp teeth, improve diet, get blood tests for deficiencies.
Treatment NoteSupplements, smoothing sharp teeth, or treating underlying conditions.
Denture sore mouth
What you feelIrritation, redness, and pain on the gums under a denture.
Why it happensIll-fitting dentures, sleeping with dentures on, or fungal infections (candidiasis).
Clinical AdviceRemove dentures at night. Keep them clean. Seek professional fit adjustment.
Treatment NoteDenture relining/adjustment, anti-fungal medication, and hygiene education.