Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

Dentists have long been aware of a connection between periodontal disease and cirrhosis. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s dental office, we want patients to be aware that they can improve their health through better dental care, which is why we’re excited by new evidence that treating gum disease can alleviate some of cirrhosis’s effects.

Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. It causes inflammation throughout the body and diminished cognitive ability. Scarred livers also have a harder time fighting off infections. Both cirrhosis and advanced gum disease can result from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. But some studies have found that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease also have higher rates of periodontal disease.

Recently, scientists carried out an experiment to determine whether people with cirrhosis improved after undergoing treatment for gum infections. They found that the people who were treated did produce more of the bacteria that reduce inflammation and were able to think more clearly. It is unclear why gum treatments would improve liver function, although scientists have proposed that people without gum disease are less likely to inhale harmful bacteria. Regardless, a fresher, less painful mouth can certainly improve the morale of people fighting chronic illnesses.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

Peri-Implantitis

If you’ve been through the process of getting a dental implant, you definitely don’t want to lose it. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental office, we’re proud to say that our patients’ experiences with implants have been overwhelmingly positive. But inflammation around an implant, also known as peri-implantitis, can be a major problem, which is why we want to make sure our patients understand it.

In the absence of an autoimmune disorder, gingivitis (gum inflammation) is probably the result of a gum pocket infection. Gum pockets are a great place for decay-causing bacteria to hide. As they feed, they excrete acid, which sticks to plaque and irritates the surrounding tissue. Acid also wears away at a tooth’s root, regardless of whether the root is natural or an implant post. Severe gingivitis, known as periodontal disease, can result in loss of gum and bone tissue, causing the implant to come loose. If an implant is mobile, or twenty percent of the surrounding bone tissue has been lost, it needs to be removed.

Since it can take six months for an implant to integrate with the jaw bone, it would be a shame if the process had to be repeated. Patients should take red, sensitive, or bleeding gums as a sign that they need to schedule a cleaning. If an infection is caught early enough, we can do a scaling to remove decayed material.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Tooth Sensitivity in Children

Patients at Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental practice can expect compassionate care for their whole family. Nobody, including children, should have to endure toothaches. But when diagnosing the cause of tooth sensitivity in children, there are some additional factors to keep in mind.

Adult teeth are often somewhat sensitive when they first break through the gum line. This problem will usually go away on its own and until then we can point parents toward safe pain relievers. But if a tooth is impacted (meaning it is trapped), extraction or orthodontic work may be necessary, which is why it’s safer to take children’s complaints seriously.

Children suffer from higher rates of tooth decay than people of any other age, and this is the most likely cause of their toothaches. However, it is also possible that they are brushing too hard and damaging their gums. We can teach them better brushing technique in either case. Children also suffer from high rates of sinus infections, which can cause pain that radiates into the upper teeth. Dental problems may be an indicator of an undiagnosed disease such as diabetes or the result of medications which cause dry mouth as a side effect, so it’s important for parents to think of dentists as part of a larger medical care team.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Dental Instruments

Our instruments at Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental practice are naturally objects of curiosity. They may also be objects of apprehension. To help patients become more comfortable with their dental care, we thought it would be a good idea to explain a little about what our tools are for.

Dental explorers are the instruments we use the most frequently, along with the handheld mirror. Also known as probes, explorers are small metal hooks that can be used to scrape away bits of tartar. They are used to push against enamel and examine gum pockets to determine whether there is an active infection. A variety of probes exist to check the various parts of teeth from different angles and scrape tartar from under the gums.

When we find tooth decay, we numb the patient with an injection and remove damaged enamel with a drill. The drill sprays water onto the teeth while in use to prevent heat damage. Once the decayed enamel has been removed, we mix the composites for a filling on a small spatula. Application and shaping of the filling are done using burnishers, which are instruments with blunt or rounded ends. If a filling needs to be removed, we remove debris with an evacuator, which is a more powerful version of the ejector used to vacuum away saliva.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes challenges for people’s oral health. At the Brentwood dental office of Dr. Lis Bradley, we want to make sure that our patients with this disorder understand what this disorder does and how it is tested for.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, creates an environment in which decay-causing bacteria flourish. Food debris remains stuck in the mouth, allowing bacteria to feed and multiply out of control. In people with Sjögren’s Syndrome, the immune system attacks the salivary glands, preventing them from producing saliva, and dry mouth commonly results.

Most cases of Sjögren’s Syndrome occur alongside lupus in older women. It seems to develop in people who are genetically susceptible after they have suffered an infection. It also causes the immune system to attack the tear ducts, resulting in dry eyes. If a patient presents with symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome, they will be referred to an oral surgeon who will take some samples of their saliva glands. (This is called a lower lip biopsy.) The tissues will then be analyzed in a laboratory. If a person does have the syndrome, they may benefit from the use of a water pick to help with their hygiene, and from throat moisturizers and medications to induce more saliva flow.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Electric Toothbrushes

Whenever you’re at the supermarket, you see a dizzying variety of oral hygiene products. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental office, we help our patients to determine which tools best suit their needs. One of the most important decisions to make is whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush, and there are arguments to make for both.

Electric toothbrushes can make tens of thousands of brush strokes per minute. This means that any tooth surface a user puts the toothbrush on gets scrubbed thoroughly, but the user is still responsible for reaching every part of each tooth. Studies have not found that people who use electric toothbrushes have lower rates of decay than people who use manual toothbrushes properly, but to use a manual toothbrush properly, a person must brush for at least two minutes per session.

The obvious advantage of an electric toothbrush is for people who have difficulty moving their hands. Many electric toothbrushes also come with apps that can inform the user if they’ve missed a spot or are overbrushing. Some are kid-friendly to teach them good hygiene habits. Electric toothbrushes are expensive, but they’re a useful option for people who have been unsuccessful with the non-motorized kind.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Stress and Tooth Damage

If you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, your mouth may be paying the price. We at Dr. Lis Bradley’s dental office would never want to make patients’ anxiety worse, but it is important for them to understand that allowing stress to go untreated has harmful consequences for the body, including the teeth.

There are two ways that stress can cause damage to the teeth: through primary occlusal trauma, caused by bite force, and secondary occlusal trauma, caused by infection. Primary occlusal trauma may arise from habits such as nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Although enamel is a tough substance and the back teeth can withstand tremendous force, constant wear can crack or chip them. Secondary occlusal trauma occurs when gum disease has progressed to the point that the ligaments holding teeth in place are no longer able to provide them with the necessary support. When people are under stress, their immune system produces fewer white blood cells, reducing their ability to combat gum infections. There is also evidence that cortisol, a hormone produced when the body is under stress, indirectly stimulates gum inflammation.

Of course, people who are under stress tend to also neglect their oral hygiene. We want our patients to know that we can help treat periodontal disease and repair dental damage. But it is important to remember that mental self-care is important for maintaining every bodily system.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

White Spot Lesions

One of the most common cosmetic problems seen in dentistry is the appearance of white spots on the teeth. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental practice, we can assist patients with this problem, but we want them to understand why it is a health concern and what they can do to prevent it.

White spot lesions are the result of minerals being removed from the teeth’s surface. They are recognizable by their chalky appearance and can result from acid reflux. However, the more common reason for their development, particularly on the front teeth, is tooth decay. Bacterial infections create acid, and the removal of minerals on teeth is the first step in the formation of a cavity. For this reason, white spots are also known as incipient lesions.

Proper oral hygiene at home and professional cleanings can arrest the progress of a white spot. However, the discoloration is likely to remain unless the patient receives remineralization treatment. They may also want to consider bonding or veneers, depending on the extent of the damage. White spots commonly form near orthodontic brackets, where patients have the most difficulty brushing. People with braces need to brush especially carefully. For those who are eligible, the ClearCorrect orthodontic system our office offers has the benefit of not using brackets.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental office, we help patients with oral health issues relating to soft tissues as well as their teeth. Because this disease is so dangerous, we want to make sure our patients understand what to watch out for and how our office can help them.

Cancers in the oral cavity are commonly associated with smoking and drinking alcohol. In the back of the mouth and top of the throat, or oropharynx, cancers are often caused by a particular strain of HPV. Only 60% of people survive for 5 years after being diagnosed with oral cancer, but a major factor in that is that it is often not discovered until it is in an advanced stage. Patients should get examined if they notice discoloration in their mouths, have difficulty swallowing, are able to feel a persistent lump, or feel pain or numbness. Dr. Bradley also conducts oral cancer screenings as part of patients’ regular checkups. A referral for a biopsy will be ordered if something suspicious is found, and the results will determine whether a patient needs further treatment.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Causes of Gap Teeth

Are you sick of having a gap between your top front teeth? Brentwood dentist Dr. Lis Bradley can help with that! There are a variety of treatments available for gaps between teeth (which are scientifically known as diastemas), but which one is appropriate will depend on what caused the gap to develop.

Sometimes, the gap is due to something as simple as the teeth being small for the size of the mouth. If the gap is small enough, it may be possible for us to cover it using veneers. Our DURAthin brand fit right over a patient’s teeth, sparing them the enamel removal needed for thicker veneers. We may also choose ClearCorrect orthodontic treatment, which will close the gap using invisible, custom-crafted aligners.

However, if the patient is thrusting their tongue against their teeth or has a habit of sucking their thumb, the gap will reopen. Some people also have thick labial frenums, which are the vertical strips of tissue on the inside of the top lip. This could prevent the teeth from closing together and need to be surgically reduced.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Causes of Filling Failure

We provide patients with inconspicuous, comfortable fillings at Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental office, and as scientists study fillings more, our procedures continue to improve. We want to pass along the results of a study on filling failure that provides some good news as well as information about when people need to especially be on their guard.

Fillings do not usually last longer than ten years before needing to be replaced, but a few factors cause them to fail early. Two of the most common of these are smoking and alcohol use. The new study also found that early filling failure tends to run in families, suggesting there could be a genetic component. For people in these categories, it is especially important to maintain regular dental check-ups, so we can examine each filling’s viability and replace it before failure allows decay to resume or function to be compromised.

The study also had a very positive finding. White-colored composite fillings, which have recently emerged as an alternative to amalgam ones, have just as high a rate of success. This is good news because the white fillings are generally thought to be more attractive and avoid some of the problems with metal, such as sensitivity to coldness and heat.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Diabetes and Implants

Patients at Dr. Lis Bradly’s dental practice in Brentwood can count on oral care suited to their unique needs. One of the conditions which causes the most oral health complications is diabetes, and today, we’re looking at how diabetes affects a patient’s candidacy for implants.

Doctors long debated whether people with diabetes should get dental implants. On one hand, diabetes drives periodontal disease and periodontal disease can cause people’s teeth to fall out, creating a need for restorations. On the other hand, diabetes slows the healing of wounds and placement of implants requires incisions to be made in the gum tissue. Implant failure is also associated with gum inflammation, and people with uncontrolled diabetes are prone to chronic inflammation. But after reviewing many scientific studies, the American Dental Association reached the conclusion that diabetes patients with controlled blood sugar do not actually have higher rates of implant failure than the general population. While the longer recovery period and the need for more attention to inflammation and its causes are factors to keep in mind, diabetes does not itself disqualify a person from receiving this life-changing treatment, and the rate of implant failure overall is very low.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Tooth Decay in Seniors

Patients can count on us for lifelong dental care at Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood office. According to the most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay in seniors is far too common. Estimates for the number of people over sixty-five with untreated caries are as high as one in five. We believe that education is one of the best means of combatting this scourge.

Many seniors with tooth decay are people who had healthy teeth earlier in life. While their lack of access to fluoridated water during their formative years makes them more vulnerable to decay, the fact that their health worsened implies something changed in their oral hygiene practice. Some common problems are limited dexterity, which makes brushing and flossing difficult, as well as switching to foods that are sticky and high in sugar. Many seniors also take medications which cause dry mouth as a side effect. This makes them more vulnerable to oral infections because saliva is one of the most important means by which the body removes food debris.

With the expertise of Dr. Bradley’s team, all of these problems are fixable. There are many home dental products designed for people with limited dexterity we can recommend, as well as means of keeping the mouth moisturized. We also accept CareCredit health care financing, providing seniors with another way of covering their 6-month check-ups.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Bleeding Gums

Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is a common condition, but one that can be avoided. Many people think that it’s normal or not a big deal if their gums bleed when they brush their teeth, but this is actually a sign of disease and a warning about their oral hygiene.

People should only use soft-bristled toothbrushes to brush their teeth. Hard bristles can bruise their gums. However, gingivitis is caused by excessive bacterial growth in the gum pockets. In the space between the gum and the tooth root, bacteria grow naturally as part of the oral ecosystem, but their numbers can increase too much when they have large amounts of food debris available. Bacteria produce acid, which sticks to plaque and irritates the surrounding gum tissue. As plaque builds up, tartar forms at the gum line around the tooth.

Patients can reduce plaque and tartar build-up by brushing regularly, but they cannot remove material from their gum pockets. Regular deep cleanings are necessary for preventing gingivitis. Even then, some people are particularly at risk. Those groups include pregnant women, people with dry mouth or who are on blood thinner medications, and smokers.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Dr. Lis Bradley is proud to be a certified ClearCorrect provider. In recent years, dentists have been alarmed by a rise in so-called DIY orthodontics. These dangerous practices, advertised as time and money savers, actually pose a severe risk to peoples’ oral health.

Many orthodontists consider their work a form of art. Guiding the movement of living tissue such as teeth through the jaw is a complicated process which requires careful judgment. The jawbone must dissolve and rebuild itself as the teeth migrate across it, which takes time. Unfortunately, stories are circulating on the internet of people who 3D-print their own invisible aligners, allowing them to move their teeth at a faster pace. Doing this prevents the jaw bone from rebuilding, allowing the teeth to shift back to their original position or to become loose and fall out.

If you are suffering from a misaligned bite or unsatisfied with your smile, our office will work with you to provide the best care possible. 

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

How to Clean Dentures

Getting dentures is a step in patients’ lifelong journey of oral care which requires them to make some changes in their hygiene habits. The changes are not difficult, but they are important, so we wanted to provide some guidance.

Any denture that is removable needs to be taken out on a nightly basis, regardless of whether it is supported by implants. But the denture must not be allowed to dry out, either. Because heat can warp it, a denture needs to be kept in room-temperature water or cleaning solution. It is wise to hold the denture over a towel while transferring it between the mouth and its container because if it does break or bend, it should only be fixed by a professional.

Dentures do not have the protective membranes of natural teeth and can be scratched by the minerals in ordinary toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends specialty toothpastes for use on dentures, and patients should only brush them with a brush that has soft bristles (although this is true of their natural teeth, as well). The entire denture should be brushed, not just the parts which look like teeth. Patients should also brush their gums before putting their dentures back in to stimulate blood flow and prevent oral infections.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Acid Reflux

One of the biggest threats to oral health is acid reflux. Dr. Lis Bradley regularly treats patients who have lost tooth enamel to this disease but we want to raise awareness of it so patients will know how to recognize and prevent it.

Acid reflux is the result of the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus opening and allowing acid up a patient’s digestive tract. In the esophagus, acid causes the painful sensation of heartburn, as well as ulcers. If it reaches as far as the mouth, the upper back teeth will usually be the worst affected. The damage of acid reflux occurs in stages, with the teeth taking on an appearance that is frosted and glazed before developing pits and cracks and losing their cusps.

To prevent acid reflux, patients should reduce their consumption of acidic, alcoholic, and caffeinated beverages, as wells as foods that are high in acid and fat. They should also avoid eating large meals before lying down and try to maintain better posture. Fluoride treatments can help protect teeth from acid reflux, but nothing can regrow lost enamel. However, fillings and partial crowns can be used to restore damaged teeth.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the most common contributory factors to tooth decay and other oral health problems. We at Dr. Lis Bradly’s office want our patients to understand how this condition puts them at risk for infections as well as some steps they can take to prevent it.

Scientifically known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This is a problem because saliva helps clean the mouth of food debris and makes it easier to swallow. Without it, bacteria are able to multiply more quickly. Saliva also helps to prevent acid from eroding tooth enamel and allows patients to get more comfortable sleep, improving their immune function.

Usually, dry mouth occurs in older people, but this is because it is a common medication side-effect. Sjögren’s disease, which is most common in older women, is another common cause. Some ways of ameliorating dry mouth are to artificially stimulate additional saliva and to avoid consuming things which dry the mouth out further. Sugary and caffeinated drinks are taxing on the salivary glands, as are alcohol and spicy food. Sugar-free gum is a good way of getting saliva flowing, and fluoride treatments bolster teeth’s resistance to decay.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Inlays and Onlays

Replacement crowns are one of the most important means of restoring damaged teeth available at Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood office. But reshaping a tooth is an intensive process and not always necessary for lesser damage. When the surface areas of the back teeth have been damaged, Dr. Bradley can repair them much more simply with a partial crown.

Molars and premolars have wide grinding surfaces made up of points, called cusps, separated by indentations. The indentations are a trap for food debris and acid, which makes them vulnerable to decay. Sealants can be used to plug an indentation, but a permanent partial crown, called an inlay, can also be used to cover them. An onlay is a larger partial crown which also replaces at least one of the cusps.

When preparing a patient for a partial crown, Dr. Bradley will drill away the decayed area and take an impression of the patient’s mouth. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab where the restoration is milled from porcelain that matches the patient’s tooth color. The patient will wear a temporary artificial crown in the meantime. When the restoration is ready, it can be cemented in at a follow-up appointment. The whole process is very easy on the patient and massively improves their comfort and bite function.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.

 

Beware of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

At Dr. Bradley’s Brentwood practice, we’re dedicated to educating our patients about the importance of preventive care. First-time parents of young children are often eager to learn all they can about how to maintain their children’s oral health, and one of the main things they need to watch out for is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.

Dentists use the term Baby Bottle Tooth Decay to describe a pattern of tooth decay on the fronts of babies’ incisors. It is caused by prolonged exposure to sugar. While many people understand that sugar increases the risk of tooth decay and avoid giving babies sugary drinks such as juice because of this, small amounts of sugar can also be dangerous if they are allowed to stick to the teeth for a long time. Babies often are given bottles of milk or formula to drink from for hours, during which they’re not drinking water, and their teeth remain covered in sugar as a result.

Caregivers should take away milk bottles after about fifteen minutes and make sure babies have plenty of water to rinse their mouths with. Dentists and nutritionists agree that it is best for children to transfer to cups around the time of their first birthday, and only after that should they be given drinks with higher amounts of sugar.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit LisBradleyDDS.com or call 615-778-0810.