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 4.9 out of 5 based on 259 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestShawn Connor
a year ago
My first time in this office was a great pleasure! I was one of their last appointments for the day and even after a long busy day everyone was so very nice and attentive. I was very impressed with the entire visit from start you finish.....yes....I was happy about a Dentist appointment! Ha. Highly Recommend!!
Robert McClure
a year ago
Front crown came out, thought I needed a new one. As always, Dr. Boatwright and staff did a great job, fixed the old one, put it back in with smiles all round!
Megan McMasters
a year ago
Dr. Ashton Samuels-Powell is amazing! She listened when I discussed my dental anxiety and explained her process during the exam and cleaning. She was able to complete my filling during a visit as well. Her team worked well together during my appointment to ensure I was comfortable and had the best care. Thanks Dr. Ashton!
Sarah Magin
a year ago
I had such a great experience! My hygienist was Sarah Gonzales, she was awesome and energetic and I genuinely enjoyed her company. My dentist today was Dr. Ashton Samuels-Powell, this was my first time with her and I was blown away. She was conversational and funny while also being super thorough. She definitely cleaned some parts of my teeth that have been neglected by other dentists I've had. She also told me what I could be doing better in my dental hygiene routine which I really appreciated. I also loved that both Sarah and Ashton were interested in my upcoming wedding, so sweet that they cared enough to ask questions and even give a little advice. Oh and Beverly checked me out, she was terrific as usual. I love how she always remembers me and my family. All in all I had a terrific experience and I can't wait for my next cleaning to update my new dental buddies about how my wedding went!
shawna bary
a year ago
The whole staff and doctor was super professional and extremely friendly. I absolutely dread going to the dentist, but I am looking forward to going back for my next appointment. They explained everything throughly and made me feel super comfortable while I was there.
Hanna Rae Allen
a year ago
Such a friendly team!!
Michael Powell
2 years ago
Dr. Ashton did a wonderful job examining and cleaning my teeth! She also did a filling for me during another visit and I'm very impressed with her work. I highly recommend Dr. Ashton! The office staff at this location are also great as well.
Tana Johnson
2 years ago
After 4 hours in a chair and 3 novicaine injections later, Dr. Ashton could not correctly place a crown on my tooth. Do not reccomend nor will I ever be placed under her care again. Left the office with a temporary crown that didn't fit and had to be seen by another dentist at another location which took 2 more hours. So after 6 hours I have a temporary crown. Dr. Ashton needs more training.
John Huang
2 years ago
Dr Ashton is wonderful, even though I was fice minutes late
Peggy Ashcraft
2 years ago
Dr. Ashton Smith-Powell was great! I hadn't seen a dentist in a very long time & she was not judgemental at all. We made a plan to fix what I needed to have done & was very professional in every way! Thank you, Dr. Ashton!!
Angelo Dapro
2 years ago
Did a great job on my teeth. They also have a great friendly staff.
Victoria von nostitz
2 years ago
Dr. Boatwright is the best dentist EVER, I highly recommend you using him and his team! They are absolutely fantastic!
Denise Bonnett
2 years ago
The staff was very pleasant and helpful. We appreciated Dr. Boatwright's advice and input and working with us since we have no dental insurance.
Mike and Fran Dancy
2 years ago
We've been with Mortenson's for many years, and just recently changed offices. We are both very impressed with Dr. Boatright. He is pleasant, knowledgeable and friendly. Janet and Allison are a great asset and know their jobs very well. We refer Mortenson's to everyone we know.
JJ
2 years ago
Wonderful staff! Friendly atmosphere! Thank you to Suzi & the Doc for restoring my smile - I've had a toothy smile on my face all day.
Arianna Hebner
2 years ago
I had to come in and get a compact filling and it was an amazing experience. Staff were super friendly and kind! I barely felt a thing which is huge for me with sensitive teeth. I called at 8:30 and I was in by 10! I am very thankful for all the staff!
Tasmeyana Teal
2 years ago
I've been coming here for years and they always do a great job with my smile. Dr. Boatright is amazing too.
Karen Hayden
2 years ago
Staff are always friendly and honest with me. The hygienist are who really bring it all together! My only suggestion is the change the background music. It's always the same out dated music and I would like to suggest simple calm acoustic music to ease the stress and anxiety that people like myself have when coming in for dental work please. Thank you all for being kind. The dentist should take a few pointers from the kindness and compassion of all the women who work there.
Autumn
2 years ago
+PLEASE READ IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING THIS PRACTICE OR ARE QUESTIONING THE WORK THEY TOLD YOU THAT YOU NEEDED+ I initially went in to this office to get a bottom permanent retainer removed that had snapped off after eating something too hard, it's closest to me and it was difficult to eat with the sharp retainer edges cutting my tongue. Before they even took the retainer out of my mouth, they told me I had four cavities, gingivitis, and needed fillings for four teeth and laser gum services. I found this odd, I've regularly seen the dentist most of my life and they ALWAYS do a cleaning before making a call on needing dental work. I have never had a cavity, I've never had gingivitis, I've never had ANYTHING wrong with my teeth actually. They were selling the fillings to me like I would lose my teeth if I didn't do it ASAP, which I also found very odd. When they finally got to removing the retainer, Dr. Scott had his hands in my mouth for so long without rinsing/spitting/allowing me to swallow that I almost involuntarily swallowed with his hands and a grinding tool in my mouth. When I stated I needed to break for a second to swallow he seemed annoyed. Finished the job, but I was pulling metal retainer pieces out of my mouth afterward. Not to mention the remarks on my facial piercings, it's 2021 sir.. Keep up. The office staff was extremely friendly, which is my ONLY reason for giving two stars honestly. So, after speaking with my step-mom about what happened, naturally she knows about my teeth, and knows I've never had a thing wrong with them. She told me about how Mortenson really messed up dental work on my father TWICE, which he had to have corrected by a different dentist and insurance ended up paying back what he paid OOP for the procedure at Mortenson. I listened to her advice and got a second opinion, and AFTER THEY DID A CLEANING, I had zero cavities, mild gum sensitivity in one area (where the retainer was snapped off, go figure) and told me they get people in all the time from Mortenson that are pushed procedures they don't need. My dentist (who has seen me since I was a child) literally said, "I cannot believe they tried to drill into these perfect teeth." Really disappointed this kind of practice is legal, I know some people don't care or don't know any better, but you are taking advantage of the fact dental care is not common knowledge for average people. It is extremely predatory and I highly advise anyone who maybe is reading reviews to determine where to get a new dentist, find another one. Get a second opinion. Don't let them sell you work you do not need!
Tim Owen
2 years ago
My dental exam and cleaning was nice, including arrival, dental activities, and billing. The staff is friendly, the office is comfortable, and the professionalism is apparent. Thank you
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