Howell Family Dentist Debates Root Canal Verses Home Remedies

Do you believe in the power of medicine or herbal remedies?

Most people would rather save money on a root canal and keep it in the bank whenever possible. But how can you do that after your dentist says you need one in order to relieve your pain? Some people try herbal remedies! 

Some herbal remedies we found include: 

Plantain poultice- is a type of weed that pulls toxins out of the body

Goldenseal powder- is a type of herb that can be used as a mouthwash to take away soreness

Echinacea- is a type of herb that helps fight off tooth infections

Silicea- is effective in reducing root infections of the tooth

Lycopodium- is helpful to reduce pain while you’re chewing

There is no scientific information that confirms using herbal remedies help heal a tooth that requires a root canal. So we can’t recommend this type of treatment!. However, if you try an herbal remedy and you’re still in pain, a root canal is probably still needed.

However, our family dentist in Howell, Michigan would like to offer you ways you can avoid a root canal. That way you don’t have to worry about how much it will cost, or whether you should try an herbal remedy. Ways to avoid a root canal include: 

• Brush properly in a circular motion
• Floss twice daily
• Avoid eating sweets
• Limit your consumption of acidic drinks (pop, energy drinks, coffee)
• Use a mouthwash after brushing 

The family dentists in Howell at Dr. DiStefano & Associates are dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and services to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our ultimate goal is to help you improve you and your family’s 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 family dentists in Howell Michigan.

Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment!  We’ll get you on your way to better health! 517-546-8983

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

Acids From Foods You'd Never Suspect

Improve Your Family’s Dental Health  

With Advice from Dr. DiStefano’s Howell Dentist Office! 

Some days it’s a challenge to get your kids to sit still enough to eat, let alone eat something healthy.   

Some foods that are known as healthy can still harm your tooth enamel.   

Like, yogurt, honey and even some cereals have acid!    

Who knew?

Being aware of which foods are acidic and ways to decrease mouth acid is beneficial to improve your families dental health. 

Acidic Food.  It’s Not Just Orange Juice Anymore! 

Other foods/ Drinks that contain Acidic are:

• Fruit and fruit products that contain citric and malic acid

• Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid

• Fermented products like yogurt contain lactic acid

• Grapes and wine contain tartaric acid

• Vegetables processed in vinegar such as pickles, beets, sauerkraut are also acidic.

A few tricks to prevent the decay of your tooth enamel when consuming acidic food and drink:

• Finish your meal with milk or a small piece of cheese to promote saliva.

• Chew sugar free gum which promotes saliva flow.

• Get a fluoride treatment from Dr. DiStefano, Howell Family Dentist

• Use fluoride toothpaste

• Drink fluoridated water

• Snack less especially on sugar and carbs.  After you eat your mouth becomes acidic to break down foods. 

• Drink more water.

• If you have Acid Reflux or other gastrointestinal problems –see your M.D. for treatment   

• Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming the acidic food or drink.  Why?  The acid softens your tooth enamel and brushing could do harm.  Wait at least an hour before brushing.

• Don’t swish the acidic drink in your mouth.  Or perhaps, drink with a straw.

Please contact us if you have any questions and thanks for reading our blog! 

Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, DDS & Associates 

517-546-8983 

http://howelldentistoffice.com/