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.

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.