In dentistry, minor symptoms often reflect early stages of disease. When left untreated, these seemingly small issues can progress into far more complex and costly conditions. Early dental symptoms such as mild sensitivity to cold drinks, occasional gum bleeding, or subtle tooth discoloration may seem insignificant, but clinically, they can represent the beginning of disease processes that will not necessarily self-resolve.
Early dental decay
As an example, decay in its early stages is confined to enamel and can often be managed using remineralisation products such as a topical fluoride or a small, conservative filling. Without early detection, decay can advance from the superficial enamel layer into the deeper dentine layer and can ultimately affect the dental nerve (pulp). The dental pulp can become irritated, infected and in some cases extremely painful. What could have been restored using a conservative filling may escalate to root canal therapy, crown, or even extraction and replacement.
Gum disease (Gingivitis)
Gum disease follows a similar trajectory. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is reversible, however if early signs of bleeding gums and halitosis are overlooked, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontal disease causes the supporting bone and periodontal ligament around a tooth begin to break down. At this stage, treatment becomes significantly more complex, lengthy, and costly. In more severe cases the teeth can even loosen and fall out.
Tooth grinding (bruxism)
Other seemingly small dental issues that may progress to become more complex can include fractured enamel, early wear from grinding (bruxism), and minor malocclusions or bite issues. Although often asymptomatic initially, these can progress to cause significant structural damage to the teeth and sometimes pain in the jaw, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and facial musculature over time.
The importance of regular check ups
Regular dental examinations allow clinicians to monitor a myriad of developmental and pathological changes with accuracy and make recommendations on how to prevent them from progressing. Early detection means early intervention, which in turn preserves tooth structure and can also reduce financial and emotional burden to patients through simpler, more comfortable, and more cost-effective treatment options.