Thursday, December 15, 2016

Your Holiday-Ready, White Smile Guide

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming! Are you ready for the pictures, the smiles, the getting up close and personal with distant relatives? If you’re looking for quick, easy, effective tips to brighten up your smile just in time for the festivities, read on.

As your providers of gentle dental in Howell, Michigan we have the tips for whiter teeth.

As you prepare for and head out to holiday parties, avoid teeth staining agents as much as possible. Things like red wine, dark juices, coffee, and black tea stain your teeth and should be kept to a minimum for a whiter smile.

If it’s snack time or the end of a meal, eat to clean. Crisp, fibrous foods like celery, carrots, apples, and even popcorn actually clean your teeth while you eat so they’re a great way to end a meal.



For a stain fighting, bacteria neutralizing boost, gargle apple cider vinegar before brushing. The vinegar will work to remove stains and kill bacteria for fresher breath and stain prevention.

To prevent staining, do everything you can to get all the bacteria out of your mouth when you’re brushing. That means brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper.

Maintain the peak of effectiveness while brushing by replacing your toothbrush or brush head every three months. Effective brushing means a whiter smile!

And don’t forget our team, practicing gentle dental care in Howell, Michigan. Regular cleanings will keep your teeth whiter and healthier! If you’re looking to kick the whitening up a notch, we have the tools and techniques to help. Give us a call and set up an appointment today.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The DOs and DON’Ts of Holiday Eating

Are you a sucker for a sweet holiday treat? Worried what that plate of grandma’s fudge is going to do to your pearly whites?

Come holiday time, we are basically bombarded by sugar in all shapes in sizes. As the source for gentle dental in Howell, Michigan, we have a few tips to keep your teeth safe this season!


  1. DO treat sugar as the enemy and have a dynamic strategy to defeat it. Try your best to limit the amount of sugar you eat. Spend less time eating sugar by hitting the dessert tray just once and avoiding hard candies you have to suck for a while. Indulge in holiday goodies that aren’t sugar-laden like an extra serving of mashed potatoes, or a savory dip. 
  2. DON’T make your teeth into the family handyman by using them for odd jobs. Nuts? Use a nutcracker and not your teeth. Don’t test your chompers by attempting to open a bottle with them. And don’t use your teeth to tear open the packaging of your kids’ new toys.
  3. DO be prepared, especially if you’re travelling. Make sure you pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for the whole family if you’re spending the holidays away. Also, keep your dental insurance information handy, just in case. Even if you’re only stepping out for the evening, having travel toothbrushes can help you stick with your brushing habit if you stay out late. 
  4. And DON’T forget about your gentle dental professionals in Howell, Michigan. We’re here for you whether you need a cleaning, regular dental work, or care after a dental emergency.


Remember, if you haven’t got your six month check up scheduled for the new year yet, there’s still time! Pick up the phone and give us a call or visit our website to find out more about our gentle dental procedures.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Wearing a Retainer for Snoring

Is your partner’s snoring keeping you awake at night?

Are you the one who gets elbowed and kicked over and over at night because you’ve started snoring?

Snoring is a big problem for many Americans! Snoring can be attributed to a number of health issues such as weight gain, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.

Did you know that wearing a simple mouth guard at night could put a stop to closed airways that lead to snoring and sleep apnea?

Wearing a retainer or mouth guard at night has many benefits including:

  • Keeping your jaw in a comfortable position
  • Opening your upper airways for better breathing at night
  • Helps to prevent wear from teeth grinding
  • Can relieve tension from jaw clenching
  • Helps prevent snoring

If you suffer from one or many of these problems listed above, a mouth guard could change the way you sleep!

Visit your Howell family dentist and ask about how a mouth guard can help you or your partner. Snoring can also be a sign of other health issues, so make sure you speak with your primary physician. Together, your doctor and your dentist can help you stop snoring and get better sleep, making you more energized and productive during the day.

To find out more, visit our website and schedule an appointment at Dr. DiStefano & Associates!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

How To Stop Snoring at Night

Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired and sluggish?

Do you toss and turn during the night because of snoring?

The quality of your sleep can affect all areas of your health – fatigue can slow your metabolism, and increase your appetite, causing weight gain. Untreated sleep apnea is also associated with a higher risk of depression, diabetes, and heart disease.

Once you get into a cycle of interrupted and restless sleep, it can be hard to get out of it, especially when snoring is thrown into the mix!

Building a good sleep routine is important not only to relieving symptoms of sleep apnea, but other areas of your health as well. If you’re having trouble sleeping and other remedies aren’t working, consider oral appliance therapy!

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?


Oral appliance therapy is a remedy for sleep apnea that is easy to fit into your nighttime routine. A comfortable mouth guard is worn at night to push the jaw forward, opening up the upper airway for easier breathing.

Your Howell family dentist can help you get a custom-fit oral appliance for wearing at night and work with you and your primary physician to ensure you get relief. This appliance can also help with teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can disturb your sleep.

Contact Your Howell Family Dentist Today!


Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with your dentist. Your dentist can give you advice on how to get more sleep and help you with any oral problems that are keeping you awake.

Call us at 517-546-8983 to get started on your road to recovery today!

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Is It the Right Time for Braces?

Has your dentist recommended braces for your child? Are you wondering if it’s the right time or best option? We understand your hesitation! Braces can be a lot for a family to handle. As a team of experienced dental professionals, here is our advice.

Ideal Age

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children see an orthodontist by the time they turn 7. While this may seem like a young age to take your child to an orthodontist, an early evaluation can detect problems at the beginning stages so they can be corrected before they become more serious. Early treatment holds great advantages for your child’s future smiles by creating a healthy, comfortable bite while they are still growing.

Have a Conversation

Talk to your child about the braces. If you hear any concern on their end, try your best to work with it. Some kids will be excited, but if you have a child on the other side, talking can make the process less stressful.

Emphasize the Fun

If your child isn’t excited about braces, there are some built-in perks you can sell! Customizing the colored bands on braces and getting picked up a few minutes early from school for dentist’s appointment might be enough to do the trick.

If you’re thinking it is the right time or if you still have questions, give us a call at (517) 546-8983 today! Come see us for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan. We can refer you to a great orthodontist and get your questions answered.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Time for Braces! Can I Handle This?


Between cost and stress on your child, potential discomfort, and appointments, yeah, it can be a lot… But, yes, you can handle it!

We can work with you to get you a referral to a great orthodontist that will take care of you and your child.

Worried about stressing your child out? We recommend including them in the conversation and decision-making. If they’re not excited about braces at first, give them a little time to adjust and keep talking through it.

Worried about causing your child discomfort? There can be some discomfort with braces and getting a dental exam, but our team of dental professionals prides itself in gentle, family-friendly care. We want to see your child smile as much as you do!

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Worried about all the appointments? We make it a priority to stick to a strict schedule, which minimizes your wait time and your time in office. And once you get started, adjustment appoints are quick, quick, quick!

Come see us for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan. Give us a call today at (517) 546-8983. Get your questions answered and make your whole family smile brighter.

Monday, July 18, 2016

5 Tips To Help Your Family Cut Back on Sugar

Are you trying to improve your family’s health this summer?

Are you looking for a way to cut back on the amount of sugary treats your family consumes?

Imagine how much healthier you’ll be and how much money you’ll save when you cut sugar out of your diet!

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we pride ourselves on being the experts not only in pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, but also in overall family dentistry. We care about you and your family’s health!

Since sugar is such a huge part of our daily diets, it can be tough to figure out how to crack the addiction and cut back. We’ve gathered some tips to help you and your family get healthier this summer.

  1. Start small: According to the American Heart Association, cutting back on the amount of sugar that we eat and drink regularly can help you cut down on your sugar intake. Start putting less sugar in your coffee or tea, and also cut back on the table sugar that you use on foods.
  2. Swap out soda: Starting small is the key here, too! Cutting down on soda can be hard, so start by buying sugar-free versions of your favorite drinks as you work on cutting them out of your diet altogether.
  3. Cut back on serving sizes: Moderation is the key. When making treats like cookies or brownies for you and your family, start cutting back on the sugar in the recipe. Often, you won’t notice the difference if you cut back the sugar by one-third. 
  4. Add fruit instead of sugar: When you would usually add sugar to something, like cereal or oatmeal, try adding fresh fruit or dried fruit instead for some added sweetness.
  5. Try non-nutritive sweeteners: According to the American Heart Association, “sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose or saccharin in moderation may be a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding more calories to your diet.”

We know that cutting back on sugar, especially for kids, can be tough! However, getting sugar out of your diet can have great benefits on your overall health, and the health of your teeth! Less sugar means fewer cavities, longer lasting enamel, and lower risks of diabetes.

If you want more information about how to cut down on sugar and the health benefits of doing so, contact us today!

Friday, July 8, 2016

Tooth Care Tips for Parents of Toddlers and Infants

Are you having trouble soothing your teething baby?

Do you have a toddler who needs to learn how to brush their teeth properly?

Teething can be frustrating for you and especially your child. It’s important to care for your infant’s teething properly for the best tooth development and growth.

Many parents are unsure whether they’re making the best decisions when it comes to choices in their children’s lives; tooth care isn’t any less worrisome. Dental care can cost you as much as thousands of dollars through the course of your children’s upbringing if they fail to properly care for their teeth.

Humana suggests “what you teach your children about brushing and flossing today may help them avoid complicated dental procedures tomorrow. While good dental health is critical for everyone, regardless of age, instilling healthy habits in kids early may prevent the dread typically associated with climbing into the dentist’s chair.”

We’ve compiled a list of healthy habits you can instill in your children today, including:


  1. Teach your toddler good brushing habits, and don’t relent if he or she puts up a fuss before bedtime. Make sure your child knows that regularly brushing his or her teeth is important, and it should be done every day.
  2. If your child gets fussy before bedtime, try getting him to brush his teeth right after dinner before getting too tired.
  3. Let your child choose toothpaste! There are plenty of toothpastes in bright colors and fun flavors especially designed for kids. Look for ones with the ADA seal of approval, and then let your toddler pick out his or her favorite. This can make brushing more fun!
  4. Make brushing a family event!
  5. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
  6. Drink plenty of water throughout the day!

Looking For More About Pediatric Dentistry in Howell, Michigan?

Dr. DiStefano & Associates are the premier dentists for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, and love working with kids in the community! If you need more information, or need to set up your child’s very first dentist appointment, call us today to get started, or visit our website for more information!

Friday, June 17, 2016

Smart Shopping: Which Dental Ingredients to Avoid

Are you struggling to decide what kinds of products you should be buying when you go to the store?

Are you worried that the products you invest in could actually be doing more harm than good?

You’re not alone! Deciding what products to buy for you and your family can be stressful. At Dr. DiStefano’s office, the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan, we want to help educate you on what types of dental products you should avoid based on their ingredients.


  • Buy products that are approved by the ADA: When shopping for dental products, make sure you look for the ADA seal of approval on the packaging. Products that aren’t approved by the ADA could be harmful to your teeth and gums.
  • Avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. The American College of Toxicology says that this ingredient can cause irritation and canker sores.
  • Avoid aspartame. You might be familiar with this artificial sweetener in foods, but it can also be found in some toothpastes. 


Talk to your dentist to find out what types of toothpaste, mouthwash, and types of floss are best for your needs. Your family dentist in Howell, Michigan might recommend that you stay away from certain products that could cause you more discomfort.

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Looking For More?


If you’d like more information, visit our website, or call us today to speak with a member of our team! Dr. DiStefano’s office is the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan and takes great pride in serving the community. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!

Friday, June 3, 2016

Ultimate Toothpaste Guide

You visit your dentist every six months on schedule, and take good care of your teeth in between.

You floss, and brush twice a day, and make sure you never skip a day of your dental routine.

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Are you sure you’re doing everything you can to take great care of your teeth in between checkups? Did you know that the type of toothpaste you’re using could be the difference between a bad checkup and a great checkup with your dentist?

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we want to help you take great care of your teeth in between checkups and save you time at the store. Take a look at some of the different categories of toothpaste listed below to figure out what kind will work best for you!

Different Types Of Toothpaste:


  • Whitening Toothpaste: Almost every brand you’re familiar with offers a different type of whitening toothpaste. Be careful when you purchase this type – some products contain harsh materials to scrub away surface stains! Whitening toothpaste can cause sensitivity and is not recommended for people under the age of 18. If you want to whiten your teeth with toothpaste, talk to your family dentist in Howell, Michigan for safer, cheaper options!
  • Sensitivity Toothpaste: Some people experience discomfort when drinking hot or cold foods. If you have this problem, consider getting toothpaste that’s made for sensitivity! This specially formulated toothpaste is less abrasive than regular toothpastes.
  • Children’s Toothpaste: Many brands make toothpastes especially for kids that are specially formulated. These toothpastes can be swallowed (just in case your child accidentally swallows while brushing) and comes in kid-friendly flavors that contain less fluoride.
  • Tartar Control: This type of toothpaste contains ingredients that work to break down plaque that has already formed on the teeth before it hardens. This toothpaste can be used as a preventative measure for people who are prone to developing tartar.


If you still have questions about what type of toothpaste you should be using, contact your family dentist in Howell, Michigan!

Let us know during your next checkup. We may be able to give you a sample of specialty toothpaste, or suggest which type would best suit your needs.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Soothing Techniques For Patients

Are you nervous or anxious just walking into the reception area of your dentist’s office?

What happens when you go into the exam room? Do your nerves get even worse?

Going to the dentist can be a stressful and sometimes even a fearful experience for people. Some surveys suggest that dental phobia affects 13% to 24% of people around the world!

With so many people suffering from anxiety and stress at the dentist, we want to make sure that you’re always comfortable and relaxed when you visit Dr. DiStefano & Associates!

We use many gentle dental techniques when you come to visit us to ensure your comfort and to soothe any lingering anxieties you might have when you come in, whether for a teeth cleaning, to get a cavity filled, or for any other procedure we offer.

If you get nervous before visiting the dentist, here are some suggestions for things you can do to make sure that you’re as calm and collected as possible in the waiting room and exam room.


  • Bring your ipod and listen to music in the waiting room! Listening to your favorite artist can relax you and put you in a better mood.
  • If sitting in the waiting room makes you anxious, try not to arrive too early. Get there 10 minutes early (if you don’t have to fill out paperwork!) to decrease the amount of time you sit and think about your procedure.
  • Talk to your dentist! Many dentists and hygienists know that people can be nervous about their dental appointments, and many will go out of their way to make sure that you’re comfortable.


For more information or to find out how the team at Dr. DiStefano’s office can help you get over your dental phobia, contact us today!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Different Methods of Dental Sedation

Do you suffer from dental phobia?

Do you get nervous or anxious sitting in the waiting room at your dentist’s office waiting for your name to get called?

Are you nervous about having any kind of procedure done?

You’re not alone! Many Americans suffer from dental phobia, and luckily, many dentists are now offering sedation to help those people.

If you’re getting a root canal or any other kind of painful procedure that causes your nerves to go into overdrive, let us take care of you with gentle dental procedures! We want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, and want to inform you about all the strides in dentistry when it comes to sedation methods.

When Would I Need To Be Sedated?


Most people are sedated only in surgical or lengthy dental procedures where the procedure itself would be painful, or would take more than an hour to complete. Some examples of these kinds of procedures are root canals, teeth extractions, and wisdom teeth removal.

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Different Types of Sedation Dentistry


Sedation dentistry is a great alternative for people who experience fear when they visit their dentist. There are several different types:


  • Inhaled minimal sedation: You breathe nitrous oxide – “laughing gas” – combined with oxygen through a mask placed over your nose. 
  • Oral sedation: Depending on the dose given, this can range from minimal to moderate (you may not remember much of the procedure). A pill taken before the procedure will make you drowsy.
  • IV moderate sedation: You receive the drug through an IV, which may help eliminate pain and fear.
  • Deep sedation and general anesthesia: This type will make you either slightly or totally unconscious throughout the procedure. This type of sedation may require a longer recovery period.


Talk to your dentist if you think being sedated during your procedures would make you more relaxed! At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we believe that gentle dental procedures are the best way to keep people coming back for their appointments and to help them get over their fears.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Veneers As A Way To Improve Smiles

Are you self-conscious about the way your smile looks?

Are you considering oral surgery to fix the shape of your teeth?

Are you nervous about getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure done?

You’re not alone! Oral surgeries and cosmetic procedures can be scary, especially if you’ve never been to your dentist for anything but a general checkup before.

Don’t worry, your dentist wants to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted! There are several ways your dentist can help you get your confidence back. One that you might not know about is dental veneers.

How Can Veneers Improve My Smile?


Veneers are applied to the face of your tooth and can give the appearance of a white, perfect tooth even if your originals are discolored, misshapen or cracked.

Porcelain veneers can cover up a variety of imperfections on the face of the tooth, and can be matched to the color of your existing teeth.

In addition to covering up any insecurities you might have about your smile, porcelain veneers don’t stain as easily as a natural teeth, and can last longer, allowing you to have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted for years to come.

Are Veneers a Painful Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?


The process of bonding the veneers to the teeth typically takes two to three dentist visits to complete, and the dentist will apply a local anesthetic before the procedure. The overall process is not very painful, but can be uncomfortable.

Where Can I Get More Information About Cosmetic Dentistry?


For more information about porcelain veneers, the process of getting them applied to your teeth, and how to take care of them afterwards, visit our website! On our site you can also find information about other cosmetic dentistry procedures that Dr. DiStefano & Associates provides.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Princeton Scientist Creates “Tooth Tattoos”

Do you like tattoos? Do you have a few of your own?

What if you could get one on your teeth?

It sounds silly, but a Princeton scientist is developing a tattoo that could detect bacteria in the mouth.

This could help doctors and patients identify when someone is coming down with a cold, or worse.

According to scientist Michael McAlpine’s interview on Princeton’s website, “the system not only has the ability to supply fast results, but is able to detect very small amounts of bacteria — a feature that could prove critical in treating certain diseases.”

You’ve probably heard before that the mouth can tell your dentist and your doctor a lot about your overall health. Health problems like heart disease can often be diagnosed in a dentist office rather than your primary physician’s office.

How cool would it be to have a tattoo on your tooth that could tell you when you’re getting a cold?

According to the article on Princeton’s website, “The researchers created the tattoo by bundling the silk and gold with graphene — an extremely thin sheet of carbon in which atoms are arranged in a honeycomb lattice. The material's unique properties allowed the researchers to construct a small, flexible device able to detect bacteria at a much higher sensitivity level than traditional methods.”

The team at Princeton’s plan is to conduct more studies to better understand how they could make this a real life solution. You can read the full article and see prototype pictures here.

What do you think? Would you ever consider getting this type of cosmetic dentistry procedure done?

Dr. DiStefano’s office provides a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures in Howell, Michigan, and is always available to consult you. If you’re looking to improve your smile and your health, visit our website today to schedule an appointment!

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Tips To Make Your Child Great at Flossing

If you have kids, you know how challenging it can be to teach them proper brushing and flossing habits.

Some kids have trouble learning how to hold a toothbrush or figuring out how to reach all their teeth, and trying to teach them how to floss properly can be a nightmare.

If you’re having trouble teaching your child proper flossing habits, our staff at Dr. DiStefano’s office want to help! As the premier source for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, our team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals knows how hard it can be to even get your child to sit still long enough to learn!

  1. Start teaching your child to floss when their teeth begin to touch. Since kids often have large gaps between their teeth, wait until they fit closer together to teach them the right way to floss.
  2. Teach your kids using wide, flat dental tape. Several brands make “easy glide” dental floss that will feel better on your child’s gums.
  3. Make sure to floss both sides of their teeth! Even if your child is missing a tooth on one side, it’s important to floss both sides of every tooth.
  4. Some kids might benefit from using a flosser that is designed for small hands. GUM Crayola brand makes small flossers that are bright and colorful, and are designed for small hands.

Getting your kids in the habit of brushing and flossing everyday while they’re young will encourage them to keep up those habits into their young adult and adult lives!

If your kids aren’t getting the hang of it, make sure to stop in and see Dr. DiStefano & Associates! We want to help your kids learn how to take better care of their teeth, and help you with the teaching process as well!

Call us at 517-546-8983 or visit our website for more information about pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan or to set up your first appointment!

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Healthy After-School Snack Options For Your Kids

Are you a parent who works full time?

Are you constantly on the go trying to balance your work schedule and your kids’ schedules?

Are you finding it a struggle to get your kids a quick snack after school while also being health conscious?

You’re not alone! Many parents struggle to find the time to go grocery shopping, let alone find time to pick out enough healthy snacks that are good for your kids.

At Dr. DiStefano's office, we pride ourselves on being experts in pediatric dentistry in Howell, and to help you out, we’ve put together a short list of some snacks you can find at the grocery store that won’t make you feel guilty. Your kids will love them, and you can feel good about serving them!


  1. Fruit and dip: Cut up some of your child’s favorite fruit and stick a toothpick in them. Then, in a bowl, mix 1 cup of low-fat sour cream, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and sprinkle with cinnamon. 
  2. Chex mix: This snack can be bought already made, or you can make your own with Chex cereal, mini pretzels and crackers.
  3. Fruit smoothies: Mix 1 cup of vanilla yogurt, 1 cup of frozen strawberries (substitute any different fruit to change the taste), and ¼ cup orange juice in a blender until smooth. This snack is healthy and filling!
  4. Apple moons: Slice an apple into crescents, and then spread with peanut butter or almond butter. Add granola on the top for a nice crunch!
  5. Oatmeal cookies: This snack is a staple at a lot of homes, and is easily made, or can be bought in the cookie aisle at your grocery store.


For more snack ideas, check the snack aisle at your grocery store and keep an eye out for special “on the go” packaging to make it easier on you!

Looking for More?


If you’re looking for the premier source of pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, you’ve come to the right place! More and more people in Howell are choosing Dr. DiStefano & Associates not only for their own dentistry needs, but for their kids as well. Contact us today on our website, or give us a call at 517-546-8983 to get started!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

How to Get Relief From Headaches Due to Dental Problems

Are you suffering from chronic headaches?

Do you suffer from pain in your jaw, ears or face?

Is this pain causing you to miss work, miss out on time with your family, or miss out on social activities?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, you deserve some relief! Dr. DiStefano is the premier headache dentist in Howell, Michigan, and knows how hard it can be to suffer from chronic pain due to dental issues.

How Do My Teeth Affect My Jaw and Face?


You might not realize it, but you can suffer from joint pain in your mouth. After all, your jaw is one big joint! Pain in your jaw can exist for a number of reasons. Dental issues such as teeth grinding, or TMJ disorder can affect your bite, making your jaw sore.

This pain in your jaw can radiate out to your eyes and ears, and even cause migraines.

How Can I Get Rid of My Pain?


Pain in your jaw can be unbearable, and at Dr. DiStefano’s office, we want to help you get relief! There are several ways you can get rid of pain in your jaw, ears, face, and even from migraines.


  1. Physical therapy
  2. Dental work
  3. Treatment for TMJ disorder


Come visit the premier headache dentist in Howell, Michigan about your pain and see how we can help you get the relief you deserve! Visit our website to learn more about TMJ and headache pain due to dental issues!

Monday, February 1, 2016

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder

Are you suffering from pain related to TMJ disorder?

Are you trying to get rid of the pain quickly?

More than 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorder. TMJ can cause pain in the face, ears and jaw, and even contribute to migraines.

If you’re looking for the best headache dentist in Howell, Michigan, look no further than Dr. DiStefano’s office! Our philosophy is to treat your TMJ issues like orthopedic issues – after all, your jaw is a joint! In our 25 years of using orthopedic and osteopathic principles to treat TMJ, we’ve seen great success.

If you’re suffering from jaw pain, ear or face pain, and migraines, here are some treatment options available to you:


  • First, get a correct diagnosis of your symptoms.
  • This is important to determine which types of therapy will work best for you!
  • Therapy
  • Exercises to relieve joint pain
  • Osteopathic medicine
  • Physical therapy
  • MRI
  • Acupuncture
  • Counseling
  • Orthopedic appliances


At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we’ll help you understand your symptoms better and get you the pain relief you deserve!

Looking for More?

For more information about TMJ disorder, visit our website! As the premier headache dentist in Howell, Michigan, we believe that knowledge is important when it comes to treatment; see how we can help you today!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

5 Things You Should Do in the New Year to Have A Healthier Mouth

Do you want to do a better job taking care of your teeth in the New Year?

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to start going to the dentist more often?

Are you looking for things you can do in between appointments to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible?

You’re not alone! Many Americans put health issues at the top of their New Year’s Resolution lists every year, and we want to make sure that you know what you can do at home and on the go to make sure your teeth are as healthy as possible.

Here are five things you can start doing to improve the health of your mouth and teeth in 2016:

  1. Drink more water! You already know that water is good for you, but did you know that water also helps to wash away acid-producing foods from your mouth? Keeping acid off your teeth can help protect the enamel against erosion. 
  2. Try sugar-free drinks and chewing gum! Make the switch to sugar-free drinks and sugar-free chewing gum in 2016. Sugar-free drinks can help wash acid producing food from your mouth and reduce the risk of cavities. Additionally, according to WebMD, chewing gum “increases the flow of saliva, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel.”
  3. Eat more cheese and milk! This one might sound a little out there, but cheese and milk can help protect your tooth enamel and ward off cavities. They both encourage saliva production and the protein and calcium in both those foods can buffer the acids in a lot of foods, protecting the enamel of your teeth from erosion. 
  4. Chocolate lovers rejoice; eat more cocoa! Also according to WebMD, substances found in cocoa can dampen inflammation and help protect against erosion and decay. Dark chocolate is the best choice to help your teeth, as it is lower in sugar than milk chocolate.
  5. Eat more fish! Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory nutrients, and studies have shown that people who have high omega-3 diets are more resistant to gum disease.

Looking For More?


If you want more ideas on how to change the way you eat and take care of your mouth, teeth and gums in 2016, visit our website! Dr. DiStefano & Associates are happy to be the most trusted family dentist in Howell, Michigan and are happy to help you!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

3 Things to Avoid in Order to Have Whiter, Healthier Teeth

Are you looking to make a change to better your health in the New Year?

Do you want to have a healthier, whiter smile?

You’re not alone! Many people look for ways to better themselves with their New Year’s Resolutions! If you’re looking for a way to make your mouth healthier next year, we want to help!

You already know that the foods you eat affect how your smile looks, and how your mouth feels. Did you know that certain foods could even affect the strength of your enamel?

Enamel protects your teeth and also keeps them looking nice and shiny. In order to keep that enamel looking and feeling healthy, there are certain things you should avoid in 2016.

  1. Sugary drinks – According to WebMD, the bacteria in your mouth that helps break down simple sugars also produces acid, which can erode tooth enamel. This can cause cavities, as well. Avoid sugary drinks like soft drinks and fruit drinks to prevent this from happening.
  2. Candy and highly sweetened snacks – You already know that candy is loaded with sugar. That seems like a no-brainer, but did you know that gummy candies are the worst threat to your teeth? Gummy candies adhere to teeth, making it hard for your saliva to wash them away. 
  3. Coffee, tea and red wine – This one might seem impossible to a lot of us who need our morning caffeine to get us going! Since we tend to sip coffee and tea slowly, acid levels remain high, which can weaken your enamel. These drinks are also notorious for staining teeth.


What Can I Do Instead to Keep My Teeth White?


In order to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth white, eliminating sugary foods and foods with acids can go a long way.

In addition, drinking coffee and tea sparingly can help keep your teeth looking white. Drinking with a straw can also help keep your enamel strong.

Looking For More?


Dr. DiStefano & Associates has been the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan for over 30 years. We want to help you get the bright and healthy smile you’ve always wanted! Visit our website today to schedule an appointment!