The Importance of Oral Health to Overall Health

Did you know that the health of your mouth is directly related to your overall health?

Are you aware that the health of your mouth can offer clues about the rest of your body?

Oral health means more than just a nice, white smile. Untreated oral issues can often lead to a negative impact on your quality of life.

Your family dentist in Howell, Michigan wants to make sure you’re taking all the steps necessary to achieve a healthy life for you and your family!

To make sure you’re living the healthiest life possible, treat your visits to the dentist as just as important as visiting your primary doctor. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection.”

Without proper dental hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can lead to infections such as tooth decay or gum disease. Regular visits to your family dentist in Howell, Michigan are important, as is sharing any illnesses or chronic conditions with your dentist.

Your oral health might also contribute to or be affected by various diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Reports also indicate a relationship between gum disease, stroke, and heart disease.

Keeping your dentist informed of your health issues is essential to a healthy life. 90% of all systemic issues show symptoms in the mouth, so your dentist is crucial when it comes to identifying potential health risks and issues.

Your health is important to us! We want to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Schedule an appointment today with your family dentist in Howell, Michigan, and make sure to ask your dentist about what you can do to take better care of not only your mouth, but also your whole body!

How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

Do you have diabetes?

Did you know that diabetes could affect your oral health?

Are you taking all the steps necessary to make sure that you’re staying as healthy as possible?

29 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes. If you’re one of those people, chances are you know the risks and issues associated with the disease. However, are you aware that your dentist can help with diabetes-related issues too?

Communicating with your family dentist in Howell, Michigan about how well you’re managing your diabetes can help them take better care of you in the long run.

The American Dental Association says that people with diabetes are more prone to developing infections and other oral health problems than people without diabetes, so partnering with your dentist to combat this issues is a great next step on the road to better health.

Dr. DiStefano has over 30 years of experience and wants to make sure his patients are well cared for and as knowledgeable as possible! Make sure you talk to your dental professional at your family dentist in Howell, Michigan to find out how to get started!

Call To Schedule An Appointment Today!

Your health is important to us! We want to make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Schedule an appointment today with your family dentist in Howell, Michigan, and make sure to ask your dentist about what you can do to take better care of not only your mouth, but also your whole body!

Bottled or Tap Water? Dr. DiStefano, Your Howell Family Dentist Weighs In!

Are you encouraging your family to make healthier choices?

It’s widely known that diet and exercise are key to a healthy lifestyle.  Part of a healthy diet is adequate hydration. 

Americans drink over 8 billion gallons of bottled water a year.  Not all brands of bottled water contain fluoride, the natural mineral that prevents tooth decay.  Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and re-mineralizes teeth damaged by acid. Fluoride is also in many toothpastes and dental rinses, and can be applied as a varnish or gel by dentists. 

Unfortunately, most bottlers don’t clearly list on their label whether or not their water is fluoridated.  The U.S Food and Drug Administration doesn’t currently require that bottles be labeled with the level of fluoride, unless it’s purposefully added during processing. 

Did you know that it’s estimated that half of all 5 year-olds have visual evidence of tooth decay?  In 2009, an Eastern Virginia Medical School conducted a study and found that almost 70 percent of parents gave their children bottled water to drink. They did so for the convenience, preference for the taste and smell, and fear of tap water contamination. 

Keep in mind, however, that studies have not proven that the increased consumption of bottled water is directly correlated to a rise in tooth decay.  High-sugar diets could in fact be the main culprit, though Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, an American Dental Association spokesman, states that “Fluoridated tap water is now believed by experts to reduce the risk of tooth decay by about 25 percent.”  It’s the single most effective and economical way to prevent tooth decay and it’s widely available through tap water.

If you’re concerned that you and your family are not getting enough fluoride, please call to schedule an appointment with Dr. DiStefano.  He and his staff will discuss your concerns and help you decide if a fluoride treatment is necessary.  Dr. DiStefano and Associates truly care about helping you improve your family’s health. 

Sign up to receive more great tips from Dr. DiStefano including:

• Brushing & Flossing Best Practices
• Tips for Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist
•  What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency
• Helpful Information About Head, Neck, Jaw and Facial Pain

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