Why Periodontal Care is Important for Overall Health

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Most casual trips to the dentists involve teeth cleanings and checkups. A lot of the time, the first thought is about the position and spacing of your teeth. There is one topic that we take very seriously: gum health.

Your gums are the foundation of your teeth, and they are often overlooked during brushing. Keeping your gums clean and healthy is something we’re extremely passionate about so that you can focus on living a healthy lifestyle.

The team at Progressive Health Dental in Turlock, CA, is proud to serve the local community with state-of-the-art dental care services, including periodontal care so that your teeth have healthy gums to support them.

Your Gums Aren’t Just for Show

If your gums are sending out any of these SOS signals, it’s time to see your dentist:

  • Bleeding gums: This isn’t normal. Even a little bit of bleeding when you brush, or floss is a red flag.
  • Swollen or tender gums: Your gums shouldn’t feel puffy or sore.
  • Bad breath: Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum problems.
  • Loose teeth: This is a serious sign of gum disease and needs immediate attention.

Remember, prevention is vital when it comes to gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are your best defense. So, don’t ignore those gums!

Your Local Dental Care Professionals

Preventing a problem before it becomes more severe and costly is essential. Don’t wait until your gums are bleeding, inflamed, or hurting.

If you can’t remember the last time you received a checkup, you are most likely due for one. Reach out to us today. We look forward to serving you and your oral health.

During your next appointment with the skilled team at Progressive Health Dental in Turlock, CA, you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.

Get a Dental Exam This Week

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Our dentist in Turlock, CA, Michael Ratto, DDS, provides comprehensive dental care for the community. According to theAmerican Dental Association, every child and adult should have a dental exam at least twice a year for optimal oral health. However, in some cases, patients are recommended to visit twice annually. Find out if you are a candidate for more frequent dental exams.

How Often Should I Go to the Dentist

TheADA reports that 77 percent of adults in the US plan to visit their dentist in the next year. However, only 37 percent report actually making an appointment to get a check-up. Visiting twice a year should be the goal for the best oral health and hygiene results.

Got Gingivitis?

If you have been diagnosed with an oral condition, such as the gum disease called gingivitis, it is important to visit the dentist more often. Ideally, patients with gum disease will seek periodontal treatment, which is provided every three months or four times annually.

If not treated more often, this incurable gum disease can lead to permanent tooth loss. A periodontal dental exam and treatment include more intensive cleaning techniques, such as root planing and the use of a WaterPik.

Find a Dentist for a Dental Exam in Turlock, CA Today

Whether it is your first time at a dentist in California or you need a new local dental team, we provide comprehensive dental exams and cleanings. Our family dentistry serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Choose this week to get your next dental exam in Turlock, CA. Our dentist, Michael Ratto, DDS, is currently accepting new patients. Contact our office at 209-667-1575 to schedule an appointment with our dentist. We look forward to seeing you and your family!

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?

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Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dentistry that involves procedures aimed at improving the appearance of your smile. This includes services like teeth whitening and dental bonding.

While cosmetic dentistry isn’t for everyone, many people can benefit from these procedures. Keep reading to learn more about cosmetic dentistry to determine if it’s right for you.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

There are many reasons why someone may choose cosmetic dentistry. From fixing a chipped tooth to whitening stained teeth, cosmetic dentistry is here to help.

Here are the top advantages of this form of dentistry:

  • Improves the shape of teeth
  • Hides cracks or chips
  • Whitens stained or discolored teeth
  • Creates balance in your smile
  • Boosts self-esteem and confidence

With modern advancements in cosmetic dentistry, dentists can fix almost any blemish or issue!

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, contact Progressive Health Dental today. We offer exceptional cosmetic dental care in Turlock, CA!

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Cosmetic dental services come in many different forms. Take a look at the most popular cosmetic procedures below:

Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a common service because it’s effective and relatively affordable. Furthermore, you even have the option to whiten your teeth at home. Providers can either bleach your teeth’s surface with in-office products, or send you home with a mold and special gels.

Dental Veneers

This service is used to cover up blemishes in your smile. Dental veneers can change a tooth’s shape, color, length, or size. They’re made of tooth-colored porcelain or resin, which is very durable. Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that attach to the front surface of teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a popular procedure to repair chipped, cracked, decayed, or misshapen teeth. The process works with a tooth-colored resin that’s applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light.

To schedule your next appointment at Progressive Health Dental, call us today! You can trust our skilled and experienced dentist in Turlock, CA.

What Is Plaque and Why It’s Dangerous

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Have you ever wondered what plaque is and if it’s dangerous? It’s an important question that your dentist in Turlock, CA would be happy to answer. Let’s talk about plaque for a moment. It’s an important topic that once you understand what it is and why it’s so dangerous, you’ll immediately realize how important good oral hygiene really is.

What Is Plaque?

Plaque is a mixture of leftover food and your mouth’s saliva. Here is a little ditty to help remind you just how serious plaque is. “Plaque rhymes with attack.” And that’s exactly what plaque does…it attacks your teeth and gums and can cause significant damage if you let it.

So what is plaque really? Dental plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and gums. Your mouth produces plaque normally. When daily plaque forms, it’s soft and feels like a fuzzy film if you run your tongue over your teeth.

The problems begin when you don’t consistently remove that plaque from your teeth, and it hardens. At this point, it becomes difficult to remove and will begin to destroy your teeth and gums among other things. That’s why it is so important to schedule a routine dental exam in Turlock, CA at least twice a year.

How Plaque Causes Cavities and Damages Your Gums

Plaque can begin to cause problems within hours of eating. The plaque bacteria will break down the enamel on your teeth which will result in cavities if not removed daily. Additionally, plaque build-up will irritate your gums, make them puffy and sore, and cause you to have bad breath. But, fortunately, it’s easy to fight plaque.

How to Fight Plaque

You can easily fight plaque by learning to brush and floss properly, brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Do You Need a Dentist in Turlock, CA?

If you need a dentist in Turlock, CA, please Contact Progressive Health Dental today. Dr. Ratto has been providing quality dental care for more than 40 years. Additionally, we provide a comfortable, pleasant environment and only use the latest technology and materials to ensure you the best dental care possible.

Could I have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?

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Are you familiar with TMJ? It’s an acronym for temporomandibular joint, and when something goes wrong with this joint, it can be very painful indeed. Your temporomandibular joint acts as a type of hinge that allows your lower jawbone to move. You use it to eat your favorite foods and to sing along with your favorite tunes. There are two — one located on each side of your head, just below and to the front of each ear. When they’re working well, you don’t notice them. However, if you have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), something so simple as chewing or speaking can be agonizing. Your dentist in Turlock, CA, can tell you more about this painful condition.

Symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Usually, pain is the first sign that you may be developing TMD. This pain may seem to radiate throughout your face, with no definitive source. It may hurt to chew, or you may notice clicking sounds when you move your jaw. You may suffer headaches, earaches, and more, as a result of a temporomandibular joint disorder. There are actually 30 different conditions can affect the joint itself, or the surrounding muscles, to cause TMD. As a result, you may notice:

  • Dizziness
  • Ringing or buzzing in your ears
  • Reduced range of movement in your jaw
  • Popping or grating sensations when you chew
  • Changes in how your upper and lower teeth come together.

Help for TMD in Turlock, CA

If you need treatment for TMD in Turlock, CA, call Progressive Health Dental today. Our experienced dental professionals have solutions to the painful symptoms that may affect your temporomandibular joint. And through early detection and treatment, we can spare you unnecessary pain and discomfort. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Dental Scans Vs. X-Rays: Understanding the Difference

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With all of the technology available, it’s easy for patients to get confused about what procedures are being ordered, how they’re being conducted, and what it’s all for. If you’re curious about scans and X-rays, it all comes down to what kind of dental practice you’re visiting and what conditions you have.

How X-Rays Work

X-rays use radiation to show the internal structure of the body. In the case of a dental image, that includes the jaw, oral cavity, and tooth structure. X-rays work well for the vast majority of dental procedures. The images represented can reveal anything from gum disease to cavities. In addition to showing teeth in sections, dentists can also use panoramic X-rays, which can help them quickly assess oral health trends that you may be experiencing.

How Scans Work

A dental CT scan is the most common exam for a dentist to schedule, and it’s usually done for those who need dental implants in Turlock, CA. This special type of X-ray equipment will show a 3D image of everything from nerve pathways to soft tissues within your mouth. The added definition can help dentists thoroughly evaluate you, so there are no questions about what to do next.

Find a Dentist in Turlock, CA

Dental practices may all make the same promises, but the truth is that services and results can vary greatly between them. There is so much available technology out there that it’s not as easy as learning a few basic facts about X-rays and scans. That’s why it’s so important for you to find a staff that can both choose the right machinery and use it as effectively as possible.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Turlock, CA who has done their homework about what kind of equipment they’re using and whether it will make a difference to their patients, contact Progressive Health Dental to schedule an appointment.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Cavity?

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Do you think you have a cavity? If so, you need to make an appointment to visit the dentist in Turlock CA. A cavity will only get worse if you don’t get treatment and a filling as soon as possible. Knowing how to tell if you have a cavity can help you decide whether it’s time to make an appointment for a dental exam.

What’s a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the surface of your mouth caused by bacteria and poor oral hygiene. If you drink sugary drinks and eat a lot of sugary foods, this makes cavities worse. Cavities are a common problem for young children, because they often don’t clean their teeth well. They also eat a lot of sugary foods. However, anyone can get a cavity at any time.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Cavity?

Below are the symptoms of a cavity:

  • Toothache
  • Black spot on your tooth
  • Visible hole in your tooth
  • Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold and sugary drinks and foods
  • Black or brown stain on your tooth
  • Pain that you experience when you bite down

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, you may have a cavity. However, there are other problems that can cause some of these symptoms, so to find out for sure, see the dentist as soon as possible.

How Can I Avoid Cavities In the Future?

Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once per day. See your dentist for regular preventative dental care in Turlock CA. Visit your dentist every six months for dental cleanings and examinations.

Your dentist will help you maintain healthy clean teeth, and if you start to develop cavities and other problems, your dentist will be able to help. Call Progressive Health Dental today to make an appointment.

What’s Causing My Teeth to Get Stained?

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Stained teeth can be a big disappointment. As your dentist in Turlock, CA, we can help! You don’t have to live with stained teeth forever. Knowing the cause of stained teeth and addressing the issue can help make your teeth beautiful and white once again.

What Causes Teeth Stains

There are many things that can cause your teeth to get stained. Habits, lifestyle choices and foods and beverages are all some of the most common causes of stained teeth. If your teeth are stained brown, gray or yellow, here are some of the most likely causes of this problem:

  • Dark-colored foods and beverages. Sauces, wine, coffee, gravy, berries and beets are all common foods and beverages that can stain your teeth.
  • Smoking. Nicotine and tar from smoking can discolor your teeth. This happens when the nicotine and tar is absorbed into the tiny pores of the tooth enamel.
  • Poor oral hygiene. Cleaning your teeth helps eliminate stains. However, if you have poor oral hygiene, your teeth may stain over time. Going to the dentist can help with this.

What You Can Do About Stained Teeth

There are many things you can do to keep your teeth cleaner, whiter and brighter.

  • Visit your dentist for a professional tooth cleaning twice annually. Your dentist will get rid of tartar and plaque that can cause stains.
  • Stop using tobacco products. Talk to your doctor if you need help with this.
  • Swish with water after consuming foods or beverages that stain.
  • Get your teeth whitened by your dentist. Professional teeth whitening is long-lasting and effective.

Do you need teeth whitening in Turlock, CA? Call your dentist at Progressive Health Dental to make an appointment for your dental cleaning and teeth whitening appointment today.

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush  

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Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months? If you don’t, your toothbrush will become less effective when it comes to clearing food and plaque from your teeth. And as any dentist in Turlock, CA will tell you, it’s imperative that you buy the right type of toothbrush.

So let’s talk about what you should look for when buying a new toothbrush. Here are four things to consider when buying a new toothbrush.

1. Size of the Toothbrush Head

There are a wide variety of toothbrushes on the market and many people think a bigger toothbrush will work better than a smaller toothbrush. However, that is not the case. Buying a toothbrush that has a smaller head will give you better access to those hard-to-reach places in your mouth.

2. Toothbrush Bristle Design

A toothbrush’s bristle design is just as important as the size of the toothbrush’s head. Choosing a toothbrush with bristles that vary in size will help you get into the more intricate places in and around your teeth and gums. It will also make it easier to get to all those hard-to-reach places.

3. Toothbrush Bristle Firmness

You probably already know that toothbrushes come in soft, medium, and hard bristle types. So how do you choose? Many people believe that hard bristles work better, but that’s not the case. Hard bristles risk damaging your teeth and gums. Therefore, it’s best to choose a soft bristle toothbrush.

4. Toothbrush Handle Grip

Dentists recommend you brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes each time you brush. Therefore, it’s best to look for a toothbrush that comes with a handle that feels comfortable and allows you to have a firm grip.

If you need a dentist in Turlock, CA, please Contact Progressive Health Dental today. We have been providing exceptional dental care to patients in this community for more than 40 years and we would love to do the same for you!