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 316 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestmark rich
a year ago
Great staff, everyone competent and friendly, got in for my appointment on time, procedure done professionally, all details and costs thoroughly explained. About the most pleasant experience you can have, for going to the Dentist
Cherith Polinko
a year ago
Brooke, Marla, and Dr. Tanoue were so great! They were all so personable and great to talk to and answering questions. I haven't been to the dentist in over 2 years and no one made me feel bad about it! They came up with a game plan for my dental health and I feel like I can trust them!
Christina Hazeldine
a year ago
The staff was very friendly and informative about everything that they did to my children's teeth.
Fate's Dragon
a year ago
Absolutely wonderful people. Definitely the best dentist office I have ever been in! Even my 7 year old was able to be separated from me for her x-rays and had a wonderful time. We definitely appreciate them very much.
Apu Simpson
a year ago
Office was professionally ran Dr Amy. Tanoue explained the procedure to my understanding and I feel at ease with the expansive amount of work I'm about to have done Dave S
Michelle Husselman
a year ago
I was so impressed with how quickly they got me in as a new patient and then the exam was very detailed and a plan set up for me. I got my cleaning done and 2 fillings so far and set my husband up as a new patient as well
Deanna Reznicek
a year ago
Front desk and staff were kind and knowledgeable. I was hesitant at first going to a new location but I am happy that I did. Make sure to confirm your appointment the day before you arrive, even if you have an appointment scheduled.
Brian Fuccio
a year ago
Very satisfied Chelsea was very helpful and professional. Dr Ford was very careful in removing bone left behind from Aspen dental iam looking forward to my next appointment to pick up my dentures University was a complete disaster and waste of time thank you again for your curtious service Brian Fuccio
Kelsy Becerril
a year ago
I saw Dr Ford today and I had an amazing experience! Charlotte who assisted was great as well. I tend to have a bit of anxiety and I didn't even need nitrous bc they both were so comforting. I was cold and immediately offered a blanket. Dr Ford was fast but efficient and I would definitely recommend her to anyone! The office is clean and beautiful and the front desk staff is always in a good mood and full of jokes. Thank you summit Dental!
Reba Hadley
a year ago
Had an appointment scheduled, ended up missing it due to my husband getting t-boned in our car from the night before. Haven't missed a appointment in a year beforehand. I tried to call and explain where survival I wouldn't have been able to call within 24 hours before the accident because it happened within 12 hours before the appointment but neither here nor there I called to see if I could figure out some sort of pain management for my dry socket due to an extraction I had. I kind of felt gaslit from one of the people that I spoke to. I told her that I never had a dentist that needed to rock my tooth to get it out and she basically told me that's the only other way that dentist take out Tess and I told her that was incorrect because before they had to cut my tooth to get it out, but AnyWho, I still tried to see out other pain management because I was then put on a sort of probationary thing. (where are you have to call every morning to see if there's an available appointment) I just honestly wanted to see if there was something that I could do for dry socket because the night before they prescribed me pain medication but only enough to get me until the next day. So in summary I did not appreciate how I was handled after the confusion also felt very Gaslite by the person I spoke to on the phone 10 out of 10 would not recommend
Peter Wheelhouse
a year ago
Great job!
Verlyesia Owens
2 years ago
My experience was awesome Marla was very patient and understanding. Doctor Ford was also very helpful, nice and just patient. I have children who just loath the dentist, but this appointment was different smoother and for that I thank you!
Christopher Magnuson-Romo
2 years ago
The staff has always been extremely friendly and helpful. They are often scheduled out pretty far, so keep that in mind when setting appointments. Quality of care has always been good.
Jody
2 years ago
Great care. Best explanation of current care and future issues with out of pocket cost to me shared up front. Easy cleaning experience
Warren Hunter
2 years ago
I like the friendliness & courtesy shone by the staff. I would recommend Summit Dentist to others
Barbara Clay
2 years ago
Thank you for genuine professional friendly dental services from the front desk the techs and the dentist. Your teak rocks in providing quality care every time me or my family have dental needs!!! Thank God for you all and your service to and for others dental hygiene
John Smith
2 years ago
The staff is fantastic. The office staff answered all my questions about my insurance coverage. My dental hygenist scheduled my cleaning for a time I'm available. My dentist was very thorough and answered all my questions.
julie thompson
2 years ago
I've always loved coming to Summit Dental because of the professional manner in which they provide and how well they treat me and their upbeat attitude. Thank you staff and tell Britain Doolittle I'm sorry she's leaving. She's a beautiful person with a heart of gold and has a lot of faith in her patients. Thank you for being there.
J LEWIS
2 years ago
I love this place. The front end staff is phenomenal. Very professional. The Dr's are very detailed and explained everything. I will continue with Summit for all my dental services and I even referred my children.
Kathy Konopik
2 years ago
Awesome dr Doolittle...
Load more