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Subject: Smiles of Punta will resume business May 11, 2020

We hope this email finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing at Smiles of Punta Gorda has remained the same: our constant commitment to your safety.

As you have surely seen during your visits to our office, infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. Our strict processes have consistently made the care you receive at Smiles of Punta Gorda both safe and comfortable.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We continue to closely monitor the recommendations of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

When it is time for your next appointment, you may see some changes along with our already strict infection control protocols. For example:

  • Our office will communicate with you ahead of your appointment to ask some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you arrive at the office.
  • Upon arrival at office, we ask that you call or text to let us know you have arrived and what type of vehicle you are in.  Stay in your vehicle and one of our team members will come to bring you in for treatment.
  • When entering the office, we will ask you to use hand sanitizer which we will supply. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed. You are required to bring a mask/face covering to wear while you are in our office.
  • You may see that our reception area will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and other items which cannot be properly disinfected. You are encouraged to bring your own iPad, reading materials, etc.
  • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered slightly limited options for scheduling your appointment.
  • We will do our best to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the office at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 941-787-2223 or visit our website at www.smilesofpuntagorda.com.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends in the safest way possible.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Martin DMD,
Christopher Ramke DMD,
and your Smiles of Punta Gorda team

Contact Us
WE ARE OPEN | Read our COVID-19 Protocols
Call Today941-585-0424 Request an Appointment
Call Today941-585-0424 Request an Appointment
100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Meet Dr. Jeremy Martin
      • Meet Dr. Christopher Ramke
    • Meet The Team
    • Why Choose Us
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • General Dentistry
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Family Dentistry
    • Relieving Dental Anxiety
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Dental Veneers
      • Invisalign
    • Restorative Dentistry
    • Full-Mouth Reconstruction
      • Dental Implants
      • Dentures
    • Oral Surgery
    • TMJ Treatment/Teeth Grinding
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Patient Resources
    • New Patient Forms
    • Payment Options
    • I’m In Pain Or Have Discomfort
    • I’m Embarrassed To Smile
    • I’m Having A Hard Time Chewing
  • COVID-19 Protocols
  • Virtual Smile Assessment
  • Blog
  • Search
Home > Blog > Be Smart About Gum Disease

Be Smart About Gum Disease

January 1, 2018
Middle aged woman with blue eyes smiling | Smiles of Punta Gorda

Take a guess: what is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? If you guessed tooth decay, that’s understandable. But the correct answer is gum disease. That’s right: more teeth are lost to periodontal issues than to cavities. Without healthy gum tissue to support them, teeth have no way to stay anchored in the mouth.

And gum disease is shockingly widespread. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. For Americans over the age of 65, the prevalence rate is a whopping seventy percent. But as common as it is, gum disease is not inevitable. It is preventable. If you are aware of your risk and practice excellent oral hygiene, you don’t have to be part of this silent epidemic.

Regular dental visits are one way you can help keep gum disease at bay. If you live in or around Punta Gorda, FL, call Smiles of Punta Gorda at 941-585-0424 to book your next checkup.

Gum Disease Is Progressive

There are two forms of gum disease, though it is really a progression. The earliest and less severe stage is called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis will worsen and progress to the more serious stage, which is called periodontitis. You may have gingivitis and not even be aware of it, as it often does not exhibit symptoms at first. That’s one reason why regular checkups are so important. The earlier gum disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to reverse.

Unchecked periodontitis may have consequences beyond your mouth. Research has linked it to multiple serious systemic health problems. Several studies have shown that gum disease increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. The exact mechanism has not been proven, but inflammation appears to be the key. Diabetics have long been known to be vulnerable to periodontal disease, but the connection may go both ways. If you have diabetes, gum disease may make your blood sugar more difficult to control. This puts you at a higher risk for diabetic complications. Periodontal problems may also make you more likely to develop osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and even certain cancers.

Manage Your Gum Disease Risk

Not all gum disease risk factors are within your control, but it still helps to be aware of them. And many of them are within your ability to change.

  • The older you are, the more likely you are to develop gum disease.
  • Genetics play a role. If your parents or other relatives have had gum disease, you have a higher risk.
  • Smokers and users of smokeless tobacco products have much higher rates of gum disease than the general population. Their periodontitis also tends to be more difficult to treat.
  • Certain drugs may increase your risk. Always educate yourself about your medications’ side effects.
  • Obesity and nutrient-poor diets may make you more likely to develop periodontal problems.
  • Stress may be a factor. It makes you more vulnerable to infection and can lead to teeth grinding and clenching, which may damage the gums.
  • Poor oral hygiene will make your mouth ripe for bacteria and gum disease to take hold. Be sure to brush every morning and night and floss daily, using proper technique.

Know Your Symptoms

Gum disease can be sneaky. Early-stage gingivitis often does its damage without you even realizing it. However, as your periodontal disease worsens, signs will appear. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to call Smiles of Punta Gorda for an examination.

  • Gums that are swollen, red, tender, or that bleed easily.
  • Bad breath (halitosis) that won’t go away.
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity.
  • Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth. You may notice pockets forming between the teeth and gums.
  • Loose teeth.
  • Teeth that look longer than they used to (a sign of recession).
  • A sudden change in your bite, or how your teeth fit together.

Gum Disease Is Treatable

How your periodontal disease is treated will depend on its severity. If we manage to catch it in early-stage gingivitis, you’re in luck. This is generally reversible through regular professional cleanings and excellent oral hygiene practices at home.

If your gum disease is more severe, we may recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a deep-cleaning technique, performed under general anesthesia, that thoroughly removes plaque and tartar from under the gumline. We will then clean the tooth roots.

If you suspect you may have gum disease — or are due for a regular checkup — call Smiles of Punta Gorda of Punta Gorda, FL at 941-585-0424. Or request an appointment through our online form.

What Our Patients Are Saying

H. M. (Verified Patient) | Jan 14, 2021
5
Very friendly staff! Have finally found the perfect dentist! Far exceeds expectations!

Very friendly staff! Have finally found the perfect dentist! Far exceeds expectations!

T. F. (Verified Patient) | Jan 08, 2021
5
To correct the loss I had of two teeth In the lower part of my...
Read More

To correct the loss I had of two teeth In the lower part of my mouth, Dr. Martin recommended I have a bridge that basically encompassed six teeth including the missing two. Thanks to his outstanding work and the work of his dental technician, the result was basically perfect. I couldn’t be happier about the outcome.

P. H. (Verified Patient) | Jan 07, 2021
5
Pleasant a efficient as always.

Pleasant a efficient as always.

J. C. (Verified Patient) | Dec 16, 2020
5
Great dentist

Great dentist

J. L. (Verified Patient) | Dec 15, 2020
5
Great first visit with Dr. Ramke, Hannah and Damian....very thorough dental review and good cleaning....
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Great first visit with Dr. Ramke, Hannah and Damian....very thorough dental review and good cleaning. Look forward to my next visit (how many say that about a dentist visit?) and a long term relationship.

Read Our Patient Testimonials
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Call Today to Make an Appointment 941-585-0424 Request an Appointment
100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  • Mon: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tue: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wed: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Fri: By Appt Only
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed
Call Today to make an Appointment 941-585-0424 Request an Appointment

Locations

100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday By Appt Only
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

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Call Today to make an Appointment 941-585-0424 Request an Appointment

Locations

100 Madrid Blvd, Unit 414, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday By Appt Only
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Want To Improve Your Smile In 2021?

With the holidays over, most people won’t do much socializing until spring and summer for special events like ...

Read More
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