Patient Education in Turlock, CA

At Progressive Health Dental, you will find that what really sets our practice apart is our patient-centered, whole health approach. Dr. Ratto believes that prevention is the best medicine, and he is passionate about educating his patients on their oral health and how it affects their overall health and well-being.

The team at Progressive Health Dental will provide you with tips and techniques for cleaning teeth and maintaining excellent oral care, but we also go beyond that by providing helpful, informative sources, products, and proven methods on how a healthy smile promotes overall health.

How pH Balance Affects Your Mouth

The acids in your mouth affect the type of bacteria and fungus that produce plaque, which is what eventually causes oral disease. One of the aspects of your oral health that Dr. Ratto tests is the pH balance in your mouth.

pH is a measure of the acid level in your mouth, and a low pH measurement (5.5 or lower) can lead to increased opportunity for tooth decay and enamel erosion. Maintaining a higher, or neutral, pH level (7.0 or above) helps to maintain a healthier oral environment. Lower amounts of acid mean less of the “bad guys,” which means less disease and damage to your teeth and gums.

So how do you maintain a healthy pH level? Excellent nutrition, which is another aspect of oral health that Dr. Ratto and his team can’t wait to tell you about! Progressive Health Dental also offers a variety of products to help patients control acids and reduce disease-causing bacteria in their mouths.

Nutrition and Oral Health

We all understand that proper nutrition and a healthy diet are important for our bodies to ward off disease and sickness; however, did you know that good nutrition is also important to your oral health?

Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, combined with drinking plenty of water, helps to reduce the acidity, or pH level, of your mouth and promotes a healthy, balanced oral environment. Consuming a diet that consists of processed foods, sugar, and carbonated or sports drinks will result in lower pH levels and higher acid levels, and leaves the mouth prone to disease.

The Oral-Systemic Link

As chronic diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease are being linked to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, airways, and digestive system, dentists like Dr. Ratto have taken notice and acknowledged the oral-systemic link. With over forty years of experience, education, and research, Dr. Ratto understands this connection and has been teaching it to his patients for years.

By controlling the bacteria and acids in your mouth, you’re not only maintaining your oral health, but also the health of your entire body. This is why Dr. Ratto uses a whole health approach at his office. When you come to Progressive Health Dental for your oral care, we also become your partners in creating optimum health and well-being. This includes teaching you about stress management, nutrition, cavity control, and how all of your body systems are connected.

Xerostomia

Xerostomia or “Dry Mouth” is an abnormal dryness of the mouth caused by a decrease in saliva production. This occurs when the salivary glands stop working or do not function properly, leaving the mouth dry and uncomfortable. This can make it seem difficult to speak or to swallow.

Any of these products can be purchased over-the-counter to help manage these symptoms. These products are often referred to as “saliva substitutes.” This list is intended as a patient resource only.  Dr. Ratto does not endorse or recommend any brand or supplier of these products over the other.

Saliva substitutes:

These products aim to mimic the lubricating and moisturizing properties of natural saliva. Examples include Biotene Oral Balance Moisturizing Gel, Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse, Moi-Stir Spray, and SalivaSure Tablets. e

Saliva stimulants:

Chewing sugar-free gum (especially with xylitol) or sucking on sugar-free candies can stimulate the flow of saliva.

Moisturizing sprays and gels:

Products like Biotene Moisturizing Spray,  XyliGel and Mouth Kote can help provide immediate relief and lubrication.

XyliMelts:

These adhering discs release xylitol, which can help neutralize acids and protect against tooth decay.

Lozenges:

TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges and Biotene Dry Mouth Lozenges are designed to freshen breath and provide relief from dry mouth symptoms.

Mouthwash:

ACT Dry Mouth Mouthwash and Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse are examples of mouthwashes formulated to address dry mouth.  Pure, unsweetened, food-grade aloe vera juice can also be used to alleviate dry mouth symptoms as a mouth wash.

Lip care:

Products like Aquaphor Lip Care can help soothe and moisturize dry, cracked lips.

Humidifiers:

Adding moisture to the air with a cool mist humidifier can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms, especially at night.

Important Considerations:

Sugar-free:

If using lozenges, candies, or gum, it’s crucial to choose sugar-free options to avoid increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Fluoride toothpaste:

Using a fluoride toothpaste is recommended for dry mouth patients to help protect against cavities.

Regular dental checkups:

Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay, so regular dental checkups are essential.

Avoid irritants:

Some individuals may be sensitive to certain ingredients in oral care products, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Read more here: American Dental Association

Every member of our team is trained on the oral-systemic connection, and we all share a passion for not only caring for our patients, but also educating them about their health and helping them improve their lives. Contact our office today to learn more about how we’re different!