How to Floss Correctly – Howell Family Dentist

Are you flossing correctly?

Are you worried that you’re not doing a good job?

You know that when you visit your Howell dentist office, the hygienist is going to ask you about your flossing habits, and here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we want to make sure you’re well informed!

Flossing is important, and doing it correctly can mean the difference between a healthy mouth, and hundreds of dollars in dental bills.

How To Floss

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss at least once a day. Flossing properly will keep food from getting stuck in your gums, which can lead to tartar buildup.

The dentists at your Howell dentist office recommend using about 18 inches of floss, wound around each middle finger. Holding the floss tight between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up and down between your teeth.

Make sure you use clean sections of floss as you move from one tooth to another!

Need To Set Up An Appointment?

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your health is the most important thing to us! If you’re looking for a dentist that takes great pride in putting the patient first, look no further! Give us a call today to set up an appointment!

Poor Flossing Habits Can Lead to Oral Health Problems

When you brush and floss, do your gums feel sensitive?

Do you have pain or even bleeding when you floss?

Whenever you go to the dentist, does your hygienist tell you that you need to improve your flossing habits?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time for you to see your Howell family dentist.

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your mouth. Flossing gets rid of food particles and harmful buildup that can lead to infections and even gum disease.

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your health is extremely important to us, and we want to make sure that you know a healthy mouth starts with flossing.

Flossing once per day, especially before bedtime and using proper flossing habits can prevent gum disease, gingivitis, infections, and increase the health of your gums!

If you’re still concerned that your mouth isn’t as healthy as it should be, make an appointment with your Howell family dentist! We want to make sure you’re taken care of, and have the knowledge you need to stay healthy.

Visit our website for more information on how to floss properly, and schedule an appointment today!

Dr. DiStefano Dishes On "How to Avoid the Embarrassment of Bad Breath!"

If your breath keeping you from getting close?

Avoid the Embarrassment of Bad Breath!

While it’s normal to get morning breath, which occurs when your mouth produces less saliva while you’re asleep, bad breath can cause embarrassment and keep you from making a close connection with others.  Mouthwash will temporarily mask bad breath, but it’s important to identify the true culprit. 

We hope we’re your favorite dentist in Howell, Michigan…  and we’d like to share the typical causes and steps you can take to cure any offending odor.  Your social life may depend on it!

Causes of Bad Breath

The biggest cause of bad breath is dry mouth

• Poor dental hygiene – as in food particles that remain in the mouth. Food can rot and cause odors.  Food residue creates plaque build-up and can lead to periodontal disease, a serious health issue.  

• Dental infections, like cavities, can also cause mouth odor. 

• Tobacco will not only stain your teeth, but cause stinky breath.

• Foods and drinks can cause bad breath: garlic, onions, spicy foods, curry, fish, some cheese, and both acidic and alcoholic beverages. 

• Overuse of vitamins and supplements, and certain medications, can cause dry mouth.

• Health problems can lead to bad breath – such as sinus infections, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, lactose intolerance and others. 

Cures for Bad Breath

• Maintain proper dental hygiene.  Brush (including your tongue) and floss regularly. 

• See your dentist every six months.  

Breath Spray May Not 

Help!

• Treat any health issues that may be causing bad breath, such as diabetes, acid reflux, etc. 

• If you need to take medication that causes dry mouth, ask Dr. DiStefano, your helpful dentist in Howell, Michigan, about artificial saliva that may help alleviate your symptoms.

• Keep your mouth moist by drinking water regularly or chewing sugar-free gum. 

• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

• Avoid foods and beverages that can cause bad breath. 

So… you’ve just learned that your bad breath could stem from more than just your garlic-laden lunch!  It could be a much more serious and embarrassing issue.  Please schedule an appointment with Dr. DiStefano to discuss your concerns and care plan.  As one of the premiere dentists in Howell, Michigan, Dr. DiStefano has over 30 years experience caring for his patients’ health.  He strives to educate his patients and improve their lives through dental care and disease prevention.   
 

A Howell Family Dentist Explains how Proper Oral Care can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke!

Did you know that more studies are linking periodontal disease to serious, sometimes fatal diseases like heart disease, stroke and certain cancers?  

A few more scary facts:

• Periodontal disease affects up to 75% of the world's population! 
• Gum inflammation and bone loss is not always painful.  Which is a problem, since many of us don't seek care from a dentist or doctor until we feel pain!  
• Research indicates that even with proper oral care, 30% of the population is still at risk for periodontal disease.

Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly just became much more important!  

Know that facts and work with us to keep your mouth healthy and lower your risk of a serious disease. 


It's imperative that you take a few minutes to read more about this!  
http://howelldentistoffice.com/familydentist/howell/disease-prevention

Call us to schedule your 6 month check up today! 517-546-8983