February has been designated Gum Disease Awareness Month! Initially launched by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, its purpose is to raise awareness about gum disease and encourage healthy dental habits to prevent it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis, is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In the early stages, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. As it progresses, the gums can pull away from the tooth, which can eventually result in bone and tooth loss. Not only does gum disease affect your mouth, it can affect your body as well. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are important to ensure everything is healthy.
Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults, with 47.2% of those aged 30 years and older having some form of it. This risk only increases with age. On top of age, there are many other risk factors that can increase your chance of developing gum disease. One of the primary risk factors is smoking, followed by poor oral hygiene, diabetes, stress, hormonal changes and medications that cause dry mouth.
While gum disease starts in the mouth, when left untreated, it can start affecting many other parts of the body as well. This includes respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease and diabetes.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 228 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSean Sargent
a year ago
Couldn't ask for a better experience! I recently changed dentists in an effort to avoid driving to Indy. Gentle Dentist has been great since day one. They got me in for an exam, created a treatment plan, and we're on our way! All of the staff are awesome, from the girls up front to the dentist! So far for every appointment I've been seen almost right away, they always have a print out which explains what was done and what my cost is vs what my insurance pays, and they're great about reminding me when my appointments are. I even showed up a wk early for an appointment, to which they offered to go ahead and get me in the chair! Truly the best I was able to find in the Bloomington area.
Chad Whaley
a year ago
Very friendly!
Pat Bryant
a year ago
I've been a patient here for over ten years and I'm very happy with their work and the friendly atmosphere.
Kathy Simmonds
a year ago
They do a great job. Quick, easy and very personable.
Christy Quillen
a year ago
They are always so friendly and professional. They do awesome work and work quick to fix any problem you may have. I highly recommend them!!
R D
2 years ago
As a new patient, I wanted to express my satisfaction with Dr Parker and his staff. Dr Parker is very preventative in his dentistry practice approach. He and his staff also stay on top of new techniques and procedures. Lastly, I want to give a special shout out to Norma. Norma assisted Dr Parker in filling my cavity. She placed the filler in my tooth and molded & shaped it perfectly! I didn't need a follow up adjustment. 1st time I have never had to have a follow up adjustment. All of the staff members do a great job with patient care and satisfaction.
Stephanie McClure
2 years ago
Maybe I just have the worst luck, but scheduling appointments here has been almost impossible in the last year. I was originally scheduled for a cleaning in November 2021, but they had to cancel last minute when the hygienist was out. They said they were going to put me back on the schedule, but that the earliest was April 2022. But not to worry because I would be on a waitlist way before then. I got one waitlist call in December on the first day of a new job and couldn't make it. They never called me from the waitlist again, so late March I called back to find out when my actual appointment was. Turns out they never scheduled anything and I had to wait until May now. May rolls around and I get a call the day before my appointment that Dr. Parker is going on vacation and they have to cancel my appointment. Since it had been so long since I was in at that point, I had to have a full exam and couldn't just have a cleaning done. I did get a call a couple of weeks later this time to come in, 6 months after my cleaning appointment was supposed to be. This week I called to see if I could get in for an urgent appointment and their customer service rep said they would put my request in to the computer right away and I would be contacted within 24-48 hours. 4 days later, I've heard nothing and went to another dentist's office the same day for help. The services I've received here have been good and the people are nice but, the practice just has more patients than they can handle I think. Especially when they have signs up that they're open for dental emergencies, only to get no response.
David Cruzan
2 years ago
Have my teeth cleaned today. Morgan did a great job. Dr. Parker and all the staff are professional and friendly.
bobbi carpenter
2 years ago
Dr.Parker was amazing when doing my teeth removal and my denture is absolutely beautiful and Brinna above and beyond for her patients! I could ask for better people to care for me!!! I wish I could give gentle dentist a 100 star rating!!
Andres Delgado
2 years ago
Very friendly and professional . I had everything explained about the procedures they will perform. I'm very satisfied. Excellent. Highly recommended.
Karin Kiefer
2 years ago
They do a great job. Very personable and professional.
Anthony Starfield
2 years ago
Shop Elsewhere! I went to Gentle Dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I expected a dentist or an assistant would do all or most of the work that same day. But oh no, they turned this into a process! An X-ray technician x-rayed my teeth. She was a nice, older lady. But then the dentist arrived. He was talking fast and rushing through things. He was actually facing away from me and washing his hands when he introduced himself! It sounded like he said, "Doctor Parker," but I could not tell for sure. Seriously, does it take that much effort just to look at a patient when you introduce yourself? I don't like him either. I don't dislike him. It's just the way that Doctor Parker talks, he sounds totally generic. He doesn't seem to have an actual personality of his own. He just wants to do whatever gets him the most money. He does not come across as caring or having any empathy for his patients. I know this sounds harsh, but this was my impression of him. He showed me the x-ray of my worst tooth. He said he could fill it or do a root canal, but he wanted to do a root canal. Apparently because this method gets him more money. A filling would work just fine. Then he disappeared and I was talking with the receptionist. She said actually getting my teeth cleaned would cost over $1,000, even with my insurance! And it would be more than 3 months until they could see me again! The insurance is supposed to pay for getting my teeth cleaned. There is no way I am going to pay over $1,000 just to get my teeth cleaned. A clerk at the insurance company recommended Monrovia Family Dentistry, which is south and west of Indianapolis. They are closed now. I called and left a message. I can say that Monrovia Family Dentistry has several glowing reviews.
Heidi P
2 years ago
I have the worst anxiety w/ the dentist. Due to some very bad experiences. They listened to me... took their time w/ me, & I had several teeth pulled. I just woke up after getting home & I am still not in any pain whatsoever. I would highly recommend these guys if your scared of the dentist, this is the place to go. The nurse & Dr. were both great.
Jamie Skirvin
2 years ago
Rude receptionist. Thought I was going in for cleaning to only get X-ray done and dentist to go on and on about insurance. I felt like I was being blown off due to the Insurance I currently have. As well as the dentist wanting to redo fillings I recently had done.
Dustin Gray
2 years ago
I love how friendly the staff is. Glad to be going here
Dustin Gray
2 years ago
The staff is the nicest and most helpful I've encountered in any Dental office. Im looking forward to working with them to correct my dental issues!
Man of Expression
2 years ago
This is the worst dentist of all time, I waited for them to contact me after the removal of my wisdom teeth because they stated they would get with me as soon as they could, to help me set up appointments every 3 months for a check up and a cleaning because according to the dentist at this location I have a condition known as peridontitus. I ended up having to make my own appointment and then 6 months later when my appointment came they told me I would have to have another 6 months for a cleaning and a checkup, they claim its because of an upfront office mixup. I do not recommend anyone to this place, the dentist is rude and claims I have a choice when my teeth are literally rotting out of my face and I need a cleaning 3 months ago at the least. I don't think any business has made me feel more ashamed, embarrassed, or dissatisfied
Treva Aynes
2 years ago
I recommend Gentle Dentist. I have gone to this location since I moved back from Florida. Plan to keep them
Chris By-The-Throat World's Luckiest Detective
2 years ago
Excellent experience (or as excellent as a tooth extraction can be) and very friendly, understanding staff.
Jessica Armstrong
2 years ago
Kind and caring office staff and wonderful dental care.
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