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 250 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMark Campbell
a year ago
The Edgewood IN office is fantastic. Professional, efficient,and friendly too. Dr Scearce is marvelous and Jessica is wonderful, thorough and patient. Front office staff is great too. I highly recommend.
James Elijah Owens
a year ago
This is perhaps the most unprofessional medical practice that I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I arrived for my first appointment 15 minutes early (after taking time off of work for it) only to be told that since I didn't answer the confirmation call they "had to" cancel my appointment. This alone was already incrediblely irritating, but they said they did have an opening at 8am the following day that they could fit me in, so I begrudgingly took more time off of work and accepted. The appointment itself went smoothly enough. I wouldnt call it exceptional but it was adequate and the dentist and hygienist were both reasonably professional. Then came time to schedule the following appointment. They had an opening the next week which I accepted. When setting up the appointment I was told "you are on the schedule, if you are unable to get time off from work for it just call us back and we will get it rescheduled, otherwise we will see you then". I requested more time off of work for the follow-up appointment, which I was granted. The appointment was for a Wednesday, and when Monday came around they attempted to call me to confirm the appointment. They called at 9:17am and I was unfortunately unable to take the call immediately. At 9:25am (ONLY 8 MINUTES AFTER MISSING THE CALL) I received a text from their office saying my appointment had been canceled due to lack of confirmation. The appointment had been made only one week prior, I see no reason why a confirmation would be necessary to begin with, but the fact that they only gave me an 8 minute window to confirm the appointment is nothing less than infuriating. When I called back (less than an hour after missing the call and receiving the text) they essentially told me "that's too bad, get over it, we can reschedule you for a different time". No thanks. If this is the standard for this practice I will not be scheduling any further appointments here. If you are unemployed and have nothing better to do than stare at you phone all day waiting for them to call to confirm your appointment, then maybe this place would be a good fit for you. If you have a job that makes it difficult to drop everything to accept their calls, or if you will have to take time off of work to go to the appointment, I would highly recommend steering clear of this place. They have made it abundantly clear that your schedule does not matter to them, and they have no qualms with canceling appointments that they have already committed to.
Shannon Huff
a year ago
Best dentist ever he did my filling today so easy and no pain I will never go anywhere else. And Mona the office manager is the best
Valerie Finnell
a year ago
I typically have a phobia when it comes to dentistry but Dr Wines has always put me ease. The office staff is warm and welcoming. My Dental Assistant, Cailin, is very skilled and patient and such a sweetheart!
Collette Mascari
a year ago
Update: For the first time in my life I went for a cleaning and left cavity free. Dr. Wines has helped me through two years of dental work. I was never judged. He is always encouraging. He gives a nearly pain free shots (coming from someone whose roots reach into their brain, that's a gift) I love Miss Pat and Miss Mona! Fantastic ladies that explain treatment plans and costs. Everyone there really has your care in mind. I had to have a tooth pulled. Doctor had to use every tool he had to get this molar from hell out of my jaw. It's the first time I've had a tooth pulled with no pain . The staff is friendly and fun. Doctor is amazing. He definitely knows what he's doing and does it with ease which makes you more relaxed.
Maaliyah Dixon
2 years ago
I love this dentist. The hygienist and doctors are all so nice, very accommodating. They always offer me a blanket and a towel to wipe my face with after a cleaning/other procedures which I really appreciate. I originally went to them for a second opinion about whether or not I needed a crown; doctor told me the tooth could simply be filled and it would be just fine. Never going back to the old clinic after that! They do an excellent job.
Ashley Hibbard
2 years ago
Dr. Wines, Mona, and the staff are amazing. I felt at ease, communication was clear, and the treatment was painless. Dr. Wines gives the the most gentle injections. 10/10 recommend.
Carolyn Barker
2 years ago
Thorough services provided by caring and friendly professionals. Pleasant atmosphere and a well-organized and managed office.
Erica Cardinal
2 years ago
Came as a new patient after a couple years without a dentist due to Covid. The women at the check in desk are always friendly & accommodating. I've had fillings done & a cleaning with no complaints so far. Happy with Dr Scearce and the team!
Shannon Huff
2 years ago
Best dentist ever he did my filling today so easy and no pain I will never go anywhere else. And Mina the office manager is the best
Amanda Powell
2 years ago
My family loves all the staff at the gentle dentist. They are always so kind and helpful. They make you feel very comfortable and do great work. The dentist is great at giving shots you barely know the needle is in your gums.
Katie
2 years ago
Always a wonderful experience here!
Victoria Sorensen
2 years ago
Visit was quick and they had no problem with my child following me back. They were polite and informative. Loved it.
Anthony Lungabardi
2 years ago
Sad to say I cancelled the remainder of my appointment because of a rude and condescending staff member that tried to put me in timeout for checking on my son who wasn't feeling well and was struggling with the dental person. Maybe it's my fault for standing in the hallway, I get that, but you don't have to be rude about it. My son was having a really hard time, excuse me for trying to be a supportive parent. Not happy, neither of us will be back. If I could score it lower, I would.
Dorothy Brown-Johnson
2 years ago
This office is very personal & feels like everyone knows you & genuinely cares about you. Dr Fines is so good and reassuring. Their office is so high tech but their greatest strength are the people in the office. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
amanda king
2 years ago
Always kind and professional. Willing to listen to all concerns and address any problems.
Victoria Garcia
2 years ago
The dental hygienist Jessie was very pleasant and professional. Dr. Whites is a great dentist and he always explain upcoming procedures and my best options.
William Nelson
2 years ago
Was able to see the dentist same day I called with a bad tooth. Got me in and out quickly with a solid treatment plan. Very satisfied, emphasis on truly gentle treatment. Look forward to having them help me with other dental issues. This speaks volumes, as when it comes to the dentist, I'm a wuss!
Heather Helton
2 years ago
Always awesome
Amber Beach
2 years ago
Honesty one of the nicest offices I have ever been to. The front desk ladies were super sweet and helpful. The doctor was explanatory and told me what she would do personally if it were her. The x-rays were some of the quickest I have ever had in my life ..thank God. I highly recommend this office.
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