Periodontitis

Plaque is a sticky substance that remains on the teeth after we consume certain foods. This colorless membrane is the most common cause of periodontal disease, which is why Dr. Lis Bradley DDS, wants patients to remember that it’s important to maintain an adequate oral care routine. We’ve previously mentioned gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease that can be reversed by flossing every day at least once a day. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will develop into a more aggressive form of gum disease – periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a level of gum disease that damages soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. When plaque sits on the teeth for long periods of time, it will cause the gums to recede and pockets to form. Maintaining a good oral care routine by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you will save yourself from invasive periodontal treatment in the future. When periodontitis strikes, a deep cleaning will be necessary to remove any decay.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, 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.

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.

 

Gingivitis Prevention

Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS asks you to take a look in the mirror. Are your gums a healthy pink color? If they aren’t, but instead are swollen, puffy, or dark red, this is usually a symptom of gingivitis, and it’s time to get the situation under control. There are four stages of periodontal disease, and gingivitis is the first. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible, so it’s best to seek treatment immediately.

Gingivitis is common and anyone can develop it. Those who are likely to experience symptoms first are those who don’t practice proper oral care habits. Dry mouth, poor nutrition, and smoking tobacco are additional factors that will contribute to periodontal disease. To prevent gingivitis from irritating the gums, it’s best to brush the teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, floss at least once a day, and visit Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS for routine cleanings.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, 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.