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 4.6 out of 5 based on 211 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDestini Willits
a year ago
Dr Proctor is very nice and genuinely caring!
Russell Sizemore
a year ago
I decided to try this office (E'town North) upon the recommendation of a family member. Needless to say, I wish I had went elsewhere for my dentistry needs. On a positive note, the staff was very friendly and cordial; however, that kind of treatment should be standard in any service related industry. So, while I have no complaints about the staff's friendliness, I cannot say the same about the dental care. Upon the initial visit to have a tooth crowned, I asked what should I do if the temporary crown came off , since the dental office would be closed the following week. I was told that that shouldn't happen, and if it did to try and put the temporary back on using an over the counter adhesive until the office was open again. Of course, the crown popped off and I swallowed it. I tried calling the office (which was closed for the week) and was transferred to another Mortensen's in town which was supposed to cover emergencies. I left my name and number with the answering service, and no one called me back. After almost 2 weeks of discomfort, I was able to get the permanent crown placed on my tooth. While Dr. Proctor asked me about my attempt to contact someone while their office was closed, I never received an apology. After continued pain and sensitivity, I went to another dentist who took x-rays that revealed the crown was not sitting properly. Now, I will at a minimum have to have the tooth re-crowned and at worst have a root canal. I would not recommend this dental office to anybody.
Amanda Lee
a year ago
I moved to the area via military and read good reviews, so I decided this would be a good fit for me. I had my first appointment yesterday. Sonya was very kind and gentle and sensitive whenever I was showing I was in some pain. Dr. Proctor was very kind and professional and gentle. All the assistants were very kind too. I had a very pleasant experience.
Gerald Williams
a year ago
Very attentive Hannah and Dr Proctor are great. I will definitely continue coming here for my dental care
Denise Barrett
a year ago
The staff were all kind and considerate. They explained everything before proceeding which made me feel much more comfortable. I would recommend them highly.
Darren Elliott
a year ago
Great people that do such great work will always be my go to place for dental
Emily Brown
a year ago
Hannah is great, that's about it! Look for your appointment to be rescheduled two days before your due to come in and then they will need to reschedule it again. Every time my appointment comes up they have some reason to reschedule my appt. When they reschedule it you have to wait another two months even though you had an appt before everyone else. They are very insensitive about this matter as well. Then I finally make it in for my appointment and they tell me I could not bring my baby back there with me, would have been nice to know that before I drove all the way there!
dennis hardin
2 years ago
It was very good experience. .All the staff is very friendly and professional. Doctor Proctor is very good Dentist.
Dante K
2 years ago
I went to get my cavities filled. The doctor said she would not fill my cavities because my blood pressure was 123/103. Mind you I just had knee surgery so I'm in pain so with that it will raise your blood pressure a little. She told me she could only do the fillings if my bottom blood pressure number was under 100. She wouldn't give me any more time to rest in the chair so that it could lower. Instead, she said, "I'm not gonna argue with you I made my decision" and got up and walked off. Her demeanor was very rude and as a doctor, you shouldn't say those words. Especially rude. So I had the worst experience in this office and I advise you to go somewhere else. The manager of this office was very nice and the front desk. It's just the doctor who is very rude and shouldn't be working there. So my two stars are for the manager and front desk. The minus 3 stars are for the rudeness of the doctor who comes in a white coat.
Sarah Jordan
2 years ago
I was able to thankfully get a same day appointment for an urgent dental matter. The staff was very kind and professional. I am thankful I went to this dentist office. They were a tremendous help and very informative.
rae rivera
2 years ago
I am terrified of dentists. However this office was wonderful. The staff went above and beyond to help me not be so nervous. I highly recommend this Dental office.
Melanie Twyman
2 years ago
Great people to work with. Friendly atmosphere. Work is very professional too.
Kellye Brown
2 years ago
Sonya was my hygienist and she was so charming and did a great job. She was constantly reassuring. I saw Dr Proctor next and she was very personable and professional. I would 100% recommend this office.
N Casao
2 years ago
I asked for my front teeth to be straightened by leveling them out and I really didn't see a difference in shape when it was done. However what I did see was different was that my two front teeth are now pink. I was blamed for this because my gums were bleeding. I told the Dr I would have preferred to not have them worked on if I knew i was gonna look like I just drank Kool aid for the rest of my life. The Dr was un apologetic (blamed me for it, dr proctor) and said I could get a second opinion somewhere else . I've spent thousands out of pocket at this place , but never again. I cannot stress enough , you should avoid this place
Savannah Kelly
2 years ago
Very quick with waiting time and cleaning service. Their chairs are so comfortable. I always have the most gentle and caring hygienist, and the dentist is very thorough and kind. They always take time to answer all my questions. They do a great job of continually remind you of your appointments so you do not forget!
kecia cobler
2 years ago
Very professional and kind staff
Chrystal B
2 years ago
Love this dentist they are so nice and professional and very helpful
Michelle Snyder
2 years ago
Amazing dental office. Explained everything for my son and made him feel comfortable. Dr Procter and her team are one of the best I have ever been to.
Cecilia Brewington-Pettigrew
2 years ago
Everyone is really welcoming! Mrs. Sonya was absolutely fabulous and was very gentle with my cleaning.
Laura Brennen
2 years ago
Always friendly staff when I come for my appointments. I would also recommend to others. Thank you
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