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.

 

First Pediatric Dental Visit

A child’s first dental visit is a monumental time in their life. After all, the very first visit is what sets the foundation for his or her future oral health. Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS is here to help parents instill proper oral care habits in their child from infancy to teenage years. Doing so will prevent periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other dental diseases.

During your child’s first visit, Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS will examine his or her mouth, teeth and gums, as well as evaluate adverse habits such as thumb sucking. She will also check to see if your child needs fluoride treatment and teach him or her all about cleaning their teeth and keeping their gums healthy. If your child has well surpassed the age of one, you will need to limit their sugar intake as a method of cavity prevention. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care and can offer dental sealants as a way to protect your child’s teeth. Once the oral exam is complete and you are satisfied with your experience, we will suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, 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.