Water is the Best Beverage

Everyone knows that eight glasses of water is necessary for better health, but did you know it also benefits your teeth?

Water with no added flavors containing fluoride is best to drink when it comes to your oral health. Believe it or not, water helps produce the saliva in your mouth, which helps wash away bacteria left behind in your mouth. Basically, the more water you drink, the better your teeth will fight off a cavity infection.

The American Dental Association (ADA) calls fluoride "nature's cavity fighter" because it strengthens enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride also makes your teeth more resistant to acids that come from foods and bacteria in your mouth. 

Do you find it hard to take in the daily recommended intake of water? Here are some tips provided by WebMD.com you can follow:

1. Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
2. Choose beverages you enjoy; you're likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.
4. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
5. Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you're watching calories, go for non-caloric beverages or water.

Our ultimate goal is to help you improve your dental health through care and education.   We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service to our patients so we can remain the best Howell family dentist. Call Doctor DiStefano, your favorite Howell family dentist to schedule your 6 month appointment today! 517-546-8983

Your Meds Could Be Harming Your Teeth!

Are you, like many Americans, taking prescription medicine for allergies, asthma, or high blood pressure?

Did you know that many commonly used medicines can have an adverse effect on your oral health?

It’s extremely important to communicate which medications you’re taking to the team at Dr. DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite dentist in Howell, Michigan. 

Sound the alarm!  A few scary examples: 

Non-aerosol asthma inhalers contain lactose to improve the flavor.  It may taste better, but lactose is a milk sugar.  The inhaled medicine can coat your teeth with sugar that promotes tooth decay. 

If you suffer from spring and summer allergies, you most likely use an antihistamine to tolerate that runny, sneezy, and itchy feeling.  Antihistamines are notorious for causing dry mouth, which increases the rate of tooth decay, that leads to periodontal disease. 

Nearly one in three Americans takes blood pressure medicine.  It’s important to take this medication to control hypertension.  If you’re someone who takes this kind of medicine, it’s extra important to maintain good dental care.  Blood pressure tablets can cause your gums to grow larger, making it difficult to properly brush and floss.  This can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss. 

Please take a few minutes and read about more commonly used medications that can have an adverse affect on your oral health.  More importantly, make sure you provide us a full list of the medications you’re taking.  Our ultimate goal is to help you improve your dental health through care and education.   We’re also dedicated to maintaining a higher level of service to our patients so we can remain the best dentist in Howell, Michigan.