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 310 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDavid Crockett
a year ago
Great staff! Excellent visit.
K H
a year ago
Horrible! Went for a routine cleaning. Later that afternoon my gums on the bottom right side began to swell. Over the weekend not only were my gums on the bottom entire right side swollen and extremely painful, my head on that side had sharp shooting pains all weekend. I called Monday and explained all this and was told it was probably from the procedure they did. My gums were so sorely swollen for a week and a half. They never called to check to see if I was okay. I had to call back 5 times before I could get help and told them I should come in for them to look at my gums. I used a herbal combination which slowly healed my gums. By the time I went back, after a week they were almost healed up, a small amount of swelling still visible. Whoever saw me that day said there was a little "irritation", did not show any concern at what all I experienced from their cleaning! I was in disbelief at him being so nonchalant! I've never had swollen gums in my life! Ever! Never had an abscess! And this was obviously from the procedure they did when I went for just a routine cleaning! It was extraordinary pain for over a week! I've never had a dental visit such as this! The reason I would certainly NEVER recommend this uncaring unprofessional facility! The only thing I'd "hoped for" was a normal, typical routine cleaning like I've had over the last 45 years!! NOT some procedure I'd NEVER had before, nor was explained, that kept me in constant pain for well over a week, and not a single person at this office cared enough to check or help me with it!! Lesson learned!
tony hinton
a year ago
Dr. Stratton and his staff were great !! Made me feel comfortable with the procedure and didn't feel very much pain thank you all ...
jessicaclemons77
a year ago
Great experience!! My dental hygienist (I believe her name was Casey) was kind and thorough and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. Both her and Dr. Blair explained everything they were doing, answered any questions I had, and provided suggestions to help promote good dental hygiene.
Ashley Rakes
a year ago
My boys absolutely love this dental office and they are very picky about a dentist. All the staff is very friendly and helpful. The overall atmosphere of the office is welcoming and happy. I highly recommend this dental office!!!
yogi edlin
a year ago
Nice staff, great services
Candace Jewell
a year ago
Quick & very accommodating
J Miles
a year ago
Friendly, efficient staff. Identifed my issue and resolved it quickly and pain-free. Renee, my hygienist was wonderful. Can't say enough good things about her!
Matt Mattingly
a year ago
Very nice an helpful... best dental experience I had an i been to lots highly recommended
Jay Johnson
a year ago
Love my dentist!!!
cathy olson
a year ago
The Mortenson's practice in Bardstown is great! They are on time, thorough and very pleasant. They spend time explaining concerns as well. A great staff and dentists! My traveling hygienist was super.
James Norwood
a year ago
Got my son in same day!! FAST!! Great place
John Hensley
a year ago
Very nice and friendly. The dental hygienist is great
Kimberly Cox
a year ago
Absolutely horrible! I went in on Sept 6th for a broken molar. The hygienist that did my X-ray was friendly. Unfortunately, that is the only positive I have. Minutes after being seated in the chair, the hygienist came back with a referral to an oral surgeon. The dentist came in for maybe 90 seconds telling me to call the oral surgeon and that he called in a prescription. He never looked at the tooth. I didn't even take my mask off except for the X-ray. He never explained why I was being referred to someone else and didn't stick around long enough to even ask questions. As I was at the desk while the receptionist scanned my referral Stratton was leaving, telling the staff bye. I called the oral surgeon they referred me to as soon as I walked out the door and the lady said their first available appointment for a consultation is Oct 17. The following day I called a different dentist office and sent the X-ray by their request. That dentist, a man I've never seen or been in their office, explained in great detail why I was being referred to an oral surgeon. Fast forward to Sept 27th. I've finished the antibiotics Stratton prescribed on the 6th. I'm in extreme pain and the 800mg ibuprofen he prescribed is NOT helping in the slightest. I call the office and explain that I'm in a massive amount of pain and the referred surgeon can't get me in til October. I also explain that the ibuprofen is not working. (For reference, my pain tolerance is great. I worked manual labor for 2 years with a torn bicep tendon.) The woman said she would leave a note for the doctor. I then received a call from the office later that day stating Stratton had called in a prescription for me. I pick it up and it's more antibiotics and ibuprofen. I have been taking both since Tuesday (Sept 27th) and I'm still in so much pain that I can't sleep, can't eat and drinking is unnecessarily taxing. This morning, 3 hours after taking my antibiotics and ibuprofen, I vomited from the pain. At this point I'm paying cash to the first dentist or surgeon that will get me in and take care of my tooth ASAP but I will never deal with this office again.
Andrew M
a year ago
Highly recommend! The entire office staff was amazing. They all went out of their way to meet my needs. Kate did a fantastic job and was very friendly. I can't thank them enough.
Beast Baller
a year ago
Dr. Stratton, Dr Blair, and Alyssa were fantastic! The office is very nice and personable. They were very accommodating and helped me through my extractions. You can tell they really care about their patients and love their jobs!
Dorothy
2 years ago
Awesome Dentist office Very,very clean,updated and super nice employee's and awesome Dentist & hygienist. My hygienist made me feel so comfortable about being there so now I feel better about going back and getting one filling soon. Thanks Mortenson's Dentist In Bardstown,Ky
K H
2 years ago
Horrible! Won't even waste my time explaining, certainly would NEVER recommend this uncaring unprofessional facility!
K H
2 years ago
Horrible! I won't even waste my time explaining, would NEVER recommend this uncaring, unprofessional facility!
Candace Gaddie
2 years ago
Very friendly, got in and out at a decent time. Went over expenses, and explained everything thoroughly.
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