When Do You Need an Oral Sleep Appliance for Apnea?

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Sleep apnea occurs to millions of Americans on any night, most of whom sleep fine without a sleep appliance. So the question is, when is it necessary to buy an appliance to help you get a better night’s sleep? At Progressive Health Dental, we help people understand this common condition that affects everyone differently. We’ll look at the signs and how you can make smarter decisions about your overall health.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can stem from genetics or lifestyle choices. For example, if you were born with a facial abnormality that causes your muscles to relax at night, you can expect to have some form of sleep apnea. Other major contributing factors include obesity and smoking.

When Do I Need an Oral Sleep Appliance?

Most people generally start looking for appliances when their symptoms hit critical mass. If you’re constantly falling asleep during the day, have morning headaches, or have difficulty concentrating, it’s a sign that your sleep apnea is severely impacting your sleep.

Sleep apnea in Turlock, CA, can happen dozens, if not hundreds of times during the night, and it may not always fully awaken you from sleep. If you don’t have someone to tell you that your snoring volume has reached a pinnacle or you’re clearly unable to breathe while asleep, you’ll need to pay attention to other signs.

See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea in Turlock, CA

At Progressive Health Dental, our staff can help you understand more about how your sleep apnea affects your overall health. Whether you need a sleep appliance or not, a dentist in Turlock, CA can give you the advice you need to get a better night’s rest.

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!

Why Dental Cleanings are Crucial For Your Health

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Brushing and flossing are fundamental daily routines that we are all aware of, but this may not be enough throughout your life to prevent cavities and other oral diseases.

The team at Progressive Health Dental of Turlock, CA, is proud to serve the local community with outstanding dental care services, including regular dental cleanings, which is the first line of defense against more serious issues.

What’s Included in a Dental Cleaning?

Everyone should make dental cleanings part of their routine. A dental hygienist will get the spots that are hard to reach during brushing and flossing. The hygienist will use a pick and water jet and end with a dental polish to prevent plaque and bacteria until your next cleaning. Most commonly, cleanings are necessary every 4-6 months, depending on your needs and oral care habits.

Why Do I Need Regular Dental Cleanings?

Clean and shiny teeth aren’t the only benefit of dental cleanings. Here are some essential advantages of getting consistent quality and professional care:

Stop Cavities and Gum Disease

The sticky film you find on (and in between) your teeth is plaque, a bacterium. When plaque hardens, it turns into tartar, negatively affecting your health. Dental cleanings will remove all plaque and tartar you may have missed – meaning your chances of cavities and gingivitis are significantly reduced.

Early Warning System

Dental hygienists will sometimes call the dentist in to quickly check your oral health each time you go. This can help them identify minor issues, such as improper flossing, but could also catch cavities and some infections, which could be prevented early with proper care.

Controls Bad Breath

Dental cleanings can remove spots on your teeth, improving your smile’s quality, but the primary benefit is eliminating bacteria that cause bad breath. You will find that your teeth are whiter and your bad breath is under control with regular cleaning.

Your Local Quality Dentist

If you can’t recall the last time you had a cleaning, it’s time to get a professional to take a look. During your next visit with the competent team at Progressive Health Dental of Turlock, CA, you will receive the best care and guidance you and your family deserve.

Best Ways to Avoid Periodontal Disease

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As your dentist in Turlock, CA, can tell you, periodontal disease is one of the few diseases in the world that is completely preventable. With the right oral care practices and lifestyle habits, no one needs to get periodontal disease to the point where there is tooth loss. Here are some of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease in your lifetime.

Get Adequate Vitamin C

There is a proven link between a lack of vitamin C and the advancement of gum disease. Be sure you get adequate amounts of vitamin C on a daily basis. Good sources of vitamin C include:

  • citrus fruits
  • strawberries
  • tomatoes
  • broccoli
  • white potatoes
  • bell peppers

Get Frequent Teeth Cleanings

Preventative periodontal care in Turlock, CA, includes frequent professional teeth cleanings. The ADA recommends a cleaning once every six months, but if you want to really avoid periodontal disease, consider once every three-month visits. This will rid your teeth of tartar, which is a leading precursor to gum disease.

Avoid Excess Alcohol

Did you know that alcohol can block vitamin and mineral absorption from the food you eat? Moderate alcohol use may or may not be good for you, but it’s certain that excess alcohol is linked to periodontal disease.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Do your best to eat a varied diet containing a mix of food groups. This will help to ensure that you’re getting all the vitamins your body needs to fight bad bacteria and keep teeth and gums in the best possible condition.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Do whatever you need to practice good oral hygiene at home. This may include:

  • investing in a “fun,” vibrating toothbrush
  • carrying toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse
  • flossing after each meal
  • rinsing with antibacterial mouthwashes

With the help of your dentist and your diligence at home, you may never have to experience the suffering of periodontal disease. Take a moment now to book your next dental cleaning.

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.

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.

4 Reasons to Make Preventative Dental Appointments Twice Annually

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You may have heard that many dental professionals recommend seeing the dentist for twice yearly teeth cleanings. It’s true. Preventative dentistry in Turlock, CA can help you take care of your teeth.

If you feel like seeing the dentist twice a year is too much, think again! Going to your dentist every six months can help you catch problems in their early stages while maintaining good oral hygiene. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Catch Problems In Their Early Stages

Many people will develop problems like gingivitis and gum disease if they don’t see the dentist often enough. Your dentist can identify these problems when they’re just starting, and can clean your teeth to keep this problem from going farther. Your dentist can also help you identify changes you can make to the way you care for your teeth, to prevent these problems from getting worse.

2. Preserve Your Beautiful Smile

No one wants to see their beautiful teeth get stained and yellow. Seeing the dentist regularly can stop this from happening. Go to your dentist on a regular basis to keep your teeth beautiful and white.

3. Maintain Fresh Breath

Bacteria in the mouth causes bad breath, especially if you get gum disease. Seeing the dentist regularly can help you control this bacteria and thus can help you maintain fresh breath.

4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

It just makes sense: seeing the dentist can help you maintain good oral hygiene. This is important for avoiding problems like dental infections, plaque and tartar build up.

Every time you go to the dentist in Turlock, CA, you improve your oral hygiene. Want to take good care of your teeth? Call Progressive Health Dental to make an appointment today.

Can Preventative Care Help You Avoid Oral Cancer?

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Preventative dental care in Turlock, CA is designed to help you avoid major dental problems in the future. When you think about the concept of general dentistry, it’s important to define what those problems are before you decide how important it is to see an oral healthcare professional on a regular basis.

Beyond tooth loss and gum recession (which are important enough on their own), the reality is that preventative care can also help you avoid a far more debilitating disease, like oral cancer. We’ll look at how these exams work at Progressive Health Dental and why you should know more about the investigatory techniques before deciding who to visit.

Abnormal Tissue

Preventative care appointments at our dental office start with a visual cancer screening, but it also includes a VELscope inspection. This technology will identify any abnormal tissues in the mouth that aren’t visible to the naked eye. The blue light from the VELscope is there to catch oral cancer at the earliest possible stage, so you can get the treatment you need before it has the chance to advance.

Find a Dentist in Turlock

Dr. Ratto at Progressive Health Dental knows that dentists in Turlock, CA don’t always take the same approach to the same problem. Some want to be more aggressive than others, recommending drastic action as a way to fully eliminate the problem. Others would rather be extremely conservative, ensuring that they can keep the mouth intact for as long as possible.

Dr. Ratto falls squarely in the former category, which is why he puts so much emphasis on preventative care. When you see where the problem begins, it’s a lot easier to both contain and treat it. Contact our office today to make an appointment for an oral cancer screening.

How Consistent Oral Care Benefits You

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There is a common misconception that visiting the dentist is only necessary when you are experiencing a problem. Regular visits ensure that your oral health care is optimized through regular cleanings and identifying issues before they become expensive and dangerous to your health.

Progressive Health dental of Turlock, CA is proud to serve the citizens of Turlock since 1981 with the best dental care possible.

Why are Regular Dental Visits Important?

Regular visits to dental care professionals are crucial in maintaining proper oral healthcare. On top of cleaning and services, the team can recommend and consult you on courses of action that will help in the long-term care of your teeth and gums. Furthermore, it prevents further issues that can arise from improper brushing, cavities, and gum diseases.

General Dentistry Services

Cleanings

One of the most common general dentistry services is regular teeth cleaning. These are usually conducted every 4-6 months, and double as a check-in with your doctor and hygienist to make sure you are taking proper care of your teeth. Comprehensive cleaning reduces your chances of cavities and infection, while the lasting polish protects the teeth from further discoloration.

Fillings

Cavities are holes and spaces between the teeth that are not always noticeable to the naked eye. You can also have cavities that exhibit no symptoms of pain or discomfort. An x-ray at your next check-up can determine if there are cavities that are in need of filling.

Bridges and Crowns

In many circumstances, teeth may need to be (or have already been) removed. Crowns help to rebuild the teeth, while bridges reinforce the teeth in your mouth by “bridging” them together.

Your Local Dental Care Experts in Turlock, CA

If you are concerned about your last check-up or need a second opinion, trust the team at Progressive Health Dental of Turlock, CA. During your free consultation, the team can properly identify and correct anything of concern.