There are millions of germs that live in your mouth. If you suffer from gum disease, you have open wounds in your gums that allow the bacteria to enter directly into your blood stream and circulate throughout your body. Some of the bacteria normally found in the mouth enter your bloodstream through infected gums and can relocate to other parts of your body with the potential of creating disease in organs and systems. Much research is being done to investigate if a definitive link exists between periodontal disease and other systemic illnesses. Many of the results are inconclusive; however, research has shown some links between periodontaldisease and heart disease, ischemic stroke, respiratory disease, head and neck cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and increased risk of pre-term delivery.Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for the majority of adults in the United States. Losing your teeth, however, is not the only danger of this disease.When you have gum disease, there is an active, living infection in your mouth. This infection releases toxins to the entire body through the blood vessels in your mouth causing a variety of health-related issues.

Stage 1: GingivitisGingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque buildup around the gum line which causes inflammation of the gums. If you neglect to brush or floss your teeth daily, this plaque buildup will trap bacteria and cause gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums. Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen; you could experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed. The bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected.

Stage 2: PeriodontitisIf gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will become periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting bones and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged. Your gums begin to form pockets, deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Your gums will recede and form gaps between your teeth. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Stage 3: Advanced PeriodontitisIn this final stage, periodontitis has been left untreated and has become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria that was allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction has destroyed the connective tissues and bones that support the teeth. The pockets that formed in the previous stage have become much deeper. Your teeth can shift or loosen. Loose teeth that move around in the mouth may affect your bite. At this state, aggressive treatment is needed to save the teeth.

Dr. Adams is a native of Owensboro and received his undergraduate and DMD degrees from the University of Kentucky. He completed his residency in periodontics at the University of Iowa before returning to Kentucky in 1992. He has been in private practice in Owensboro since 1993 and is an active member of the Green River Dental Society, Kentucky Society of Periodontists, Southern Academy of Periodontology, and the American Academy of Periodontology. Holding many offices in the past, Dr. Adams currently resides on the Executive Council of the Southern Academy of Periodontology. With customer care and excellence in treatment as top priorities, Dr. Adams furthers his education consistently and is involved in three study clubs in the surrounding area, helping to better communicate with referring doctors and treat patients more effectively. Leading two of the three study clubs, Dr. Adams was one of a select group of clinicians chosen on the national level to be involved in the Spears Study Group. Dr. Adams is also one of the few periodontal surgeons in the state of Kentucky to be certified in both the Pinhole Surgical Technique and LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure). Dr. Adams strives to stay up to date with the latest procedures and offers the latest technology with state-of-the-art equipment. He is married to the former Michelle Johnstone of Drakesboro; they have a son Alex (2003) and a daughter Ella (2005).

Dr. Josh Whitt is a native of Calhoun, KY and received his undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University and DMD degree from the University of Kentucky. He completed his residency in periodontics at the University of Kentucky before joining Dr. Adams practice in July of 2019. Dr. Whitt is a member of the Kentucky Dental Association as well as the American Academy of Periodontology. While completing his DMD degree in Lexington, Dr. Whitt met and later married Owensboro native, Dr. Meagan Aull. Dr. Aull practices general dentistry in Owensboro and both Dr. Whitt and Dr. Aull are looking forward to being active in the community. Dr. Whitt is excited to join Dr. Adams and Team and looks forward to serving his patients and working with closely with his dental colleagues.

After graduating from Western Kentucky University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Michelle moved to Owensboro to practice dental hygiene in general dentistry. She and Dr. Adams have been married since 2000, and she has worked in his practice for over 20 years as a dental hygienist, public relations coordinator, and office administrator. Currently, Michelle holds a license to deliver local anesthetic, is certified in laser disinfection, and is a CPR Instructor, teaching First Aid and Basic Life Support classes with the American Heart Association. She also lectures on Medical Emergencies for the Dental Office and Hygienist, which is approved by the Kentucky Board of Dentistry. With a high standard for customer service, communication and satisfaction, Michelle strives to maintain a relaxing, comfortable, and efficient office environment for all of our patients.

Jeannie has been practicing dental hygiene for Dr. Adams since 2006. She is a graduate of Henderson Community College, where she received her associate degree in Dental Hygiene in 2006, with a license to deliver local anesthetic. Jeannie is also certified to perform laser disinfection, is a CPR Basic Life Support and First Aid Healthcare provider and is a Certified Dental Assistant with over 20 years of experience in the dental field. Jeannie provides excellent dental hygiene care to our patients. As our OSHA Officer, she helps to maintain a safe office environment for our team and patients.

In October of 2015, Natalie joined Dr. Adams team, bringing over 15 years of experience in the medical field. She holds an Associate Degree in Science and is a Certified Nurse Assistant. Natalie is also certified in dental radiography, IV placement, coronal polishing and is a CPR/First Aid and Basic Life Support healthcare provider; she helps to smoothly guide patients through the surgical process with care and comfort.

A 2017 graduate of Henderson Community College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, Sara has been with our team since 2018. She is licensed to deliver local anesthetic, certified in laser disinfection, and is a certified CPR Basic Life Support and First Aid Healthcare Provider. Saras skills and caring personality helps patients feel at ease when they are under her care.

Since 2015, Patty has been a member of our team, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in customer service from her office administrative and supervisory positions, in which she served on numerous state level committees. With a warm, inviting and outgoing personality; Patty welcomes all she comes in contact with and enjoys providing customer care to our patients. She helps our office to run smooth and efficiently. She is a CPR/First Aid and Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.

In February of 2016, with over 25 years of patient care experience in the healthcare field, Christine joined the team, bringing a wealth of knowledge in insurance and finances. Christine helps to guide patients through the insurance and financial process with ease. With great enthusiasm in customer care, she will go the extra mile to assure your experience at our office is the best. Christine continues to stay up to date with the changing insurance regulations through continuing education courses, and she is a CPR/First Aid and Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.

With over 20 years of experience in customer service, Marcia joined Dr. Adamss team in April of 2017. As patient scheduling coordinator, Marcia will greet you with a warm smile and is always ready to assist you with any of your scheduling needs. She is a CPR First Aid and Basic Life Support healthcare provider.