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 4.5 out of 5 based on 241 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJimmy Driskell
a year ago
never had the level of comfort and trust sitting in a dentist chair as this experience.
Leesa Silvey
a year ago
Most super friendly staff in the Independence area! These folks make you feel so at ease. Thank you to the entire staff and to Dr Todd for making my experience a pleasant one!
Melissa Mullins
a year ago
I took my 3 year old there, they were awesome with him. My whole family goes there, and we are always pleased!
Jeremy Morales Madrigal
a year ago
Glad I could be seen on short notice and develop a treatment plan
matt fry
2 years ago
4 years ago I went there to get a tooth They tried to talk me in too get Oh my teeth Pulled And buying dentures I still have My teeth I guess they just wanted to make more money
Danielle Peterson
2 years ago
First time patients to the independence location for all three of my children due to issues with my pervious dentist office only being open two days etc. I called to schedule and they were so helpful, I explained the situation with my pervious dentist office. They were able to get them all seen not months but only a couple weeks for the first appt and together on the same day. However, what make me like this office is we are new patients. They went out of there way to remember us and called us when a sooner appointment was available. They did not have to do that but they did! They were extremely nice and helpful as well. They went over the treatment plans with all 3 kids and even my kids enjoyed themselves. I am really glad I switched. They were able to schedule the kids fillings this week coming up. As a parent it is a relief that they care so much. I really appreciate all they have done to make the kids comfortable.
George D
2 years ago
Feeling good about getting dental work done is not something you hear often. I am relieved to finally be getting the years of work needed done! Very informative and friendly staff. I actually learned a lot from my hygienist. When you find a dentist that cares it makes all the difference.
Jeremy Herald
2 years ago
My son has two broken teeth in the front. I was told if I pay out of pocket for the root canals, that when he turned 16, they would have his crowns done through insurance. I sent the $2000 to complete the procedure. His 16th birthday rolls around, so I call to schedule an appointment for the crowns. I was told they needed to put in for a pre-authorization, and would let me know when I could schedule. I wait for about three months and call, and was told the pre-authorization expired, and they would need to resubmit it. I have been calling every week since, and they say they are still waiting. He turns 17 in two days, and they tell us they need to resubmit it again. At this point, I feel they should just do it because I feel like they are leading me on in hopes to not do it. Pretty bad business on their part. If they ever rectify the situation, I will gladly change my review, but I feel they do not deserve one at this moment.
Julie Fry
2 years ago
I have what has been referred to as a sometimes difficult patient everyone made her feel very comfortable and she had a pleasant experience. Amanda was very helpful and caring, she was also great at explaining everything in terms that the kids could understand and not be afraid of. I highly reccomend
Jessica Green
2 years ago
I had a scaling and deep cleaning done today and the lady that did it was absolutely AMAZING!!! She made sure I was comfortable during it and her bedside manor was great!
Crystal Cheeks
2 years ago
The independence office is more helpful and the staff is really nice and not short tempered with u when u call and ask questions or need anything unlike other locations
Shauna Marshall
2 years ago
Highly recommend!! To say that I was nervous about getting my wisdom teeth removed is an understatement, but the team here (from the receptionist, to the hygienist, to the dentist himself) are so incredibly intelligent and confident, that it puts you at ease. While getting teeth removed is not exactly a fun experience, Dr. Jeffrey Turner made the experience painless. Special shout out to him and the petite blonde (sorry, I do not know your name ) for making me feel comfortable. Thank you!!
Zachary Walters
2 years ago
Had an appointment scheduled. I understood my medicaid insurance wasn't accepted. But still I offered cash and/or my care credit card. And they still wouldn't see me. Here I sit at another dental place and they don't care they won't accept my medicaid. They will accept my care credit card.
Melissa Hubbard
2 years ago
They did an awesome job for my dental emergency!
James Robertson
2 years ago
Great staff they are very friendly and always make you feel comfortable.
Timothy OBrien
2 years ago
Very detailed and well explained while doing the work.
Jasmine Hopkins
2 years ago
Great with kids!!
STANLEY COX
2 years ago
I was disappointed! Went there to get my teeth cleaned. After taking a HUGE number of x-rays, the technician did a visual check then brought the doctor in but NEVER did clean my teeth???
Renee Felinski
2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Turner is very personable and efficient with his patients. The staff is also very friendly and makes you feel comfortable. You won't be disappointed with your experience at the Independence location!
Christy Brock
2 years ago
Clean, professional. Didn't wait long to be seen. Friendly. Did an awesome job!
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