Dr Leo Toureno - Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (infection) attacks the gums and the jaw bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar or hard "barnacles"). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and jaw bone. Periodontal infection is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal infection and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if toxins and bacteria associated with periodontal disease enter the bloodstream and affect these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.

Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).

New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.

Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.

Receding gums – Loss of gum tissues around a tooth exposing roots of teeth and may cause sensitivity.

Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.

Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacterial toxins irritate and destroy the gums and teeth.

I think I may have Periodontal Disease - What should I do?

Dr. Leo Toureno DDS, FAGD, Tucson cosmetic dentistry, Tucson general dentistry, Tucson laser dentistry and Tucson family dentistry serving Tucson, Arizona 85748. Browse our website to learn more about cosmetic adult orthodontic braces, preventive, dental cleaning, extractions (oral surgery), restorative and family dentistry for Tucson, AZ. We also offer 6 month braces (six month braces), invisalign, implant dentistry (dental implant), laser dentistry, Snap-On-Smile (SnapOnSmile) and treatment of Gum Disease to all our Tucson dental patients. A few of our dental services include tooth colored composite fillings, sealants, children’s dentistry, fluoride treatment, veneers, whitening (bleaching), bonding, crowns, bridges, dentures, bad breath treatments, NTI – tss (nightguard, biteguard, mouthguard) migraine & bruxism (teeth grinding) therapy, laser gum therapy or laser periodontal therapy - LPT (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure - LANAP) utilizing Periolase dental laser, and 6monthbracestucson (tucson6monthbraces, sixmonthbracestucson, tucsonsixmonthbraces). We offer state-of-the-art computer technology, patient comfort and technology including TLC dental chair potato, patient education, digital x-ray imaging and no interest affordable financing with Care Credit. Come see what Dr. Leo Toureno DDS, FAGD, a Tucson cosmetic dentist Tucson general dentist, Tucson family dentist and Tucson laser dentist, has to offer at 150 S. Houghton Rd. Suite #100 in Tucson, AZ 85748. Also feel free to call our Arizona cosmetic dental office at 520.721.2000. www.discoverysmiles.com. www.discoverysmile.com discoverysmiles@gmail.com