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!