How to Protect Your Enamel

Need tips to protect your enamel? Want to know what dentists recommend for maintaining healthy enamel? Does your dentist in Howell, Michigan say you need to take better care of your enamel?

Tooth enamel is the hard outer covering of your tooth that helps protect it from exposure to damaging wear and erosion. Enamel is actually the hardest substance of the human body, but it’s not indestructible!

Protecting your enamel goes a long way to helping your teeth and your smile overall, so it’s important to know what you can do every day to preserve it.

Check out our top tips below for protecting your enamel:

1. Watch your pressure: when brushing your teeth, don’t apply too much pressure. This can wear away the enamel on your teeth and expose the dentin to serious damage. Light pressure will clean your teeth more than adequately and keep your enamel tough.
2. Know your acids: brushing your teeth right after eating foods like citrus, tomato, or soda can be very damaging to your enamel. Instead, drink water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
3. Opt for soft: although soft, medium, and hard bristles are sold together in the toothbrush aisle, soft bristles are suitable for almost everybody and hard bristles should almost never be used in your mouth.
4. Good technique: holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line and brushing with short strokes is the best way to clean your teeth and preserve your enamel. Make sure to cover the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
5. Visit your Dentist in Howell, Michigan: if you have any concerns about your enamel or oral health, your dentist is a great resource whether you’re overdue or between regular visits.

Although enamel is on the surface of your teeth, it’s really the foundation for a healthy smile. Follow these tips and keep your enamel strong for years to come. If you have any questions about your enamel or oral hygiene, give your dentist in Howell, Michigan a call today for tips on everything from teeth brushing, which products to use, to common mistakes you could be making.

Tips to Help Sensitive Teeth

Do you have sensitive teeth or gums? Do you notice a pang when you eat hot or cold foods? Do sugary treats leave your teeth zinging?

Sensitivity in your teeth can greatly affect your quality of life, but you’re not alone! A survey of dentists across the U.S. reports that as many as 1 in 8 Americans suffers from sensitive teeth and/or gums.

How can you stop the pain in your teeth so you can enjoy things like ice cream, cold drinks, and sugary snacks again? We’ve got the answers!

According to the American Dental Association, the most common causes of sensitivity include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth rot

Underneath the gum line of your teeth, and beneath the enamel and cementum that protect your teeth, there’s dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel and contains small hollow canals. When these small canals are exposed to heat, cold, or acidic and sticky foods, the nerves in your tooth are affected, leading to hypersensitivity.

Here’s the good news: sensitive teeth can be treated by your dentist! You can also use over the counter products like a desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, or even have a root canal to help protect the nerves inside your teeth and gums.

If the sensitivity in your teeth and gums is because of a larger dental issue, we can help! Our team of specialists works hard to ensure your comfort by only using gentle dental procedures to help lessen your pain.

To find out how we can help treat your sensitivity, contact us today! We’re ready to help you and make sure you can get back to normal again.

5 Rules for Dental Work during Pregnancy

Not sure if you should keep your regular dentist appointment now that you’re pregnant? Need help figuring out what’s safe and what’s not at the dentist’s office if you’re pregnant?

The world becomes infinitely more complicated the moment you find out you’re pregnant. Luckily, when it comes to the dentist and pregnancy, there are 5 simple rules you can follow to keep yourself and baby happy and healthy.

1. Don’t cancel your regular appointment. Exams and cleanings are perfectly safe during pregnancy. In fact, some of the hormones produced during pregnancy tend to cause gum sensitivity, bleeding, and increased risk of gum disease, so it’s important to go to the dentist during your pregnancy to prevent infection. 
2. Tell your dentist everything. Your dentist and hygienist should know that you’re pregnant, any medications you’re taking, and any special medical advice your doctor has provided for your pregnancy. If they know the details, they’ll take better care of you!
3. Avoid x-rays if possible. Regular check-up x-rays can and should be postponed until after you have your baby. However, if you need any dental procedures during pregnancy that require an x-ray, wearing the appropriate protection will keep baby safe. The very small risk of x-ray exposure is much smaller than the risk of postponing necessary dental work. 
4. No elective dentistry. Any elective or unnecessary procedures can wait. Preventative or corrective dentistry is important to do to keep you and baby healthy, but elective procedures like whitening treatments or replacing older metal fillings are better put on hold. 
5. Be comfortable. As the baby grows, if you need to visit the dentist, bring whatever you need to be comfortable whether that’s a pillow or some tunes!

If you require a more serious procedure like a root canal, you’ll want to work with your dentist to minimize medication you receive while making sure you’re totally comfortable.

It’s important for your and baby’s health to minimize your stress by not experiencing unnecessary, excessive pain.

If you follow these easy rules, you’ll have nothing to worry about when it comes to dentistry and pregnancy. For gentle dental in Howell, Michigan during your pregnancy, give us a call. We can answer any questions you have about dental care and procedures while you’re pregnant and after baby arrives!

Your Holiday-Ready, White Smile Guide

The holidays are coming, the holidays are coming! Are you ready for the pictures, the smiles, the getting up close and personal with distant relatives? If you’re looking for quick, easy, effective tips to brighten up your smile just in time for the festivities, read on.

As your providers of gentle dental in Howell, Michigan we have the tips for whiter teeth.

As you prepare for and head out to holiday parties, avoid teeth staining agents as much as possible. Things like red wine, dark juices, coffee, and black tea stain your teeth and should be kept to a minimum for a whiter smile.

If it’s snack time or the end of a meal, eat to clean. Crisp, fibrous foods like celery, carrots, apples, and even popcorn actually clean your teeth while you eat so they’re a great way to end a meal.

For a stain fighting, bacteria neutralizing boost, gargle apple cider vinegar before brushing. The vinegar will work to remove stains and kill bacteria for fresher breath and stain prevention.

To prevent staining, do everything you can to get all the bacteria out of your mouth when you’re brushing. That means brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper.

Maintain the peak of effectiveness while brushing by replacing your toothbrush or brush head every three months. Effective brushing means a whiter smile!

And don’t forget our team, practicing gentle dental care in Howell, Michigan. Regular cleanings will keep your teeth whiter and healthier! If you’re looking to kick the whitening up a notch, we have the tools and techniques to help. Give us a call and set up an appointment today.

The DOs and DON’Ts of Holiday Eating

Are you a sucker for a sweet holiday treat? Worried what that plate of grandma’s fudge is going to do to your pearly whites?

Come holiday time, we are basically bombarded by sugar in all shapes in sizes. As the source for gentle dental in Howell, Michigan, we have a few tips to keep your teeth safe this season!

1. DO treat sugar as the enemy and have a dynamic strategy to defeat it. Try your best to limit the amount of sugar you eat. Spend less time eating sugar by hitting the dessert tray just once and avoiding hard candies you have to suck for a while. Indulge in holiday goodies that aren’t sugar-laden like an extra serving of mashed potatoes, or a savory dip. 
2. DON’T make your teeth into the family handyman by using them for odd jobs. Nuts? Use a nutcracker and not your teeth. Don’t test your chompers by attempting to open a bottle with them. And don’t use your teeth to tear open the packaging of your kids’ new toys.
3. DO be prepared, especially if you’re travelling. Make sure you pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for the whole family if you’re spending the holidays away. Also, keep your dental insurance information handy, just in case. Even if you’re only stepping out for the evening, having travel toothbrushes can help you stick with your brushing habit if you stay out late. 
4. And DON’T forget about your gentle dental professionals in Howell, Michigan. We’re here for you whether you need a cleaning, regular dental work, or care after a dental emergency.

Remember, if you haven’t got your six month check up scheduled for the new year yet, there’s still time! Pick up the phone and give us a call or visit our website to find out more about our gentle dental procedures.

Wearing a Retainer for Snoring

Is your partner’s snoring keeping you awake at night?

Are you the one who gets elbowed and kicked over and over at night because you’ve started snoring?

Snoring is a big problem for many Americans! Snoring can be attributed to a number of health issues such as weight gain, depression, diabetes, and heart disease.

Did you know that wearing a simple mouth guard at night could put a stop to closed airways that lead to snoring and sleep apnea?

Wearing a retainer or mouth guard at night has many benefits including:

• Keeping your jaw in a comfortable position
• Opening your upper airways for better breathing at night
• Helps to prevent wear from teeth grinding
• Can relieve tension from jaw clenching
• Helps prevent snoring

If you suffer from one or many of these problems listed above, a mouth guard could change the way you sleep!

Visit your Howell family dentist and ask about how a mouth guard can help you or your partner. Snoring can also be a sign of other health issues, so make sure you speak with your primary physician. Together, your doctor and your dentist can help you stop snoring and get better sleep, making you more energized and productive during the day.

To find out more, visit our website and schedule an appointment at Dr. DiStefano & Associates!

How To Stop Snoring at Night

Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired and sluggish?

Do you toss and turn during the night because of snoring?

The quality of your sleep can affect all areas of your health – fatigue can slow your metabolism, and increase your appetite, causing weight gain. Untreated sleep apnea is also associated with a higher risk of depression, diabetes, and heart disease.

Once you get into a cycle of interrupted and restless sleep, it can be hard to get out of it, especially when snoring is thrown into the mix!

Building a good sleep routine is important not only to relieving symptoms of sleep apnea, but other areas of your health as well. If you’re having trouble sleeping and other remedies aren’t working, consider oral appliance therapy!

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a remedy for sleep apnea that is easy to fit into your nighttime routine. A comfortable mouth guard is worn at night to push the jaw forward, opening up the upper airway for easier breathing.

Your Howell family dentist can help you get a custom-fit oral appliance for wearing at night and work with you and your primary physician to ensure you get relief. This appliance can also help with teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can disturb your sleep.

Contact Your Howell Family Dentist Today!

Schedule an appointment to discuss your options with your dentist. Your dentist can give you advice on how to get more sleep and help you with any oral problems that are keeping you awake.

Call us at 517-546-8983 to get started on your road to recovery today!

Is It the Right Time for Braces?

Has your dentist recommended braces for your child? Are you wondering if it’s the right time or best option? We understand your hesitation! Braces can be a lot for a family to handle. As a team of experienced dental professionals, here is our advice.

Ideal Age

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children see an orthodontist by the time they turn 7. While this may seem like a young age to take your child to an orthodontist, an early evaluation can detect problems at the beginning stages so they can be corrected before they become more serious. Early treatment holds great advantages for your child’s future smiles by creating a healthy, comfortable bite while they are still growing.

Have a Conversation

Talk to your child about the braces. If you hear any concern on their end, try your best to work with it. Some kids will be excited, but if you have a child on the other side, talking can make the process less stressful.

Emphasize the Fun

If your child isn’t excited about braces, there are some built-in perks you can sell! Customizing the colored bands on braces and getting picked up a few minutes early from school for dentist’s appointment might be enough to do the trick.

If you’re thinking it is the right time or if you still have questions, give us a call at (517) 546-8983 today! Come see us for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan. We can refer you to a great orthodontist and get your questions answered.

Time for Braces! Can I Handle This?

Between cost and stress on your child, potential discomfort, and appointments, yeah, it can be a lot… But, yes, you can handle it!

We can work with you to get you a referral to a great orthodontist that will take care of you and your child.

Worried about stressing your child out? We recommend including them in the conversation and decision-making. If they’re not excited about braces at first, give them a little time to adjust and keep talking through it.

Worried about causing your child discomfort? There can be some discomfort with braces and getting a dental exam, but our team of dental professionals prides itself in gentle, family-friendly care. We want to see your child smile as much as you do!

Worried about all the appointments? We make it a priority to stick to a strict schedule, which minimizes your wait time and your time in office. And once you get started, adjustment appoints are quick, quick, quick!

Come see us for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan. Give us a call today at (517) 546-8983. Get your questions answered and make your whole family smile brighter.

5 Tips To Help Your Family Cut Back on Sugar

Are you trying to improve your family’s health this summer?

Are you looking for a way to cut back on the amount of sugary treats your family consumes?

Imagine how much healthier you’ll be and how much money you’ll save when you cut sugar out of your diet!

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we pride ourselves on being the experts not only in pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, but also in overall family dentistry. We care about you and your family’s health!

Since sugar is such a huge part of our daily diets, it can be tough to figure out how to crack the addiction and cut back. We’ve gathered some tips to help you and your family get healthier this summer.

1. Start small: According to the American Heart Association, cutting back on the amount of sugar that we eat and drink regularly can help you cut down on your sugar intake. Start putting less sugar in your coffee or tea, and also cut back on the table sugar that you use on foods.
2. Swap out soda: Starting small is the key here, too! Cutting down on soda can be hard, so start by buying sugar-free versions of your favorite drinks as you work on cutting them out of your diet altogether.
3. Cut back on serving sizes: Moderation is the key. When making treats like cookies or brownies for you and your family, start cutting back on the sugar in the recipe. Often, you won’t notice the difference if you cut back the sugar by one-third. 
4. Add fruit instead of sugar: When you would usually add sugar to something, like cereal or oatmeal, try adding fresh fruit or dried fruit instead for some added sweetness.
5. Try non-nutritive sweeteners: According to the American Heart Association, “sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose or saccharin in moderation may be a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding more calories to your diet.”

We know that cutting back on sugar, especially for kids, can be tough! However, getting sugar out of your diet can have great benefits on your overall health, and the health of your teeth! Less sugar means fewer cavities, longer lasting enamel, and lower risks of diabetes.

If you want more information about how to cut down on sugar and the health benefits of doing so, contact us today!

Tooth Care Tips for Parents of Toddlers and Infants

Are you having trouble soothing your teething baby?

Do you have a toddler who needs to learn how to brush their teeth properly?

Teething can be frustrating for you and especially your child. It’s important to care for your infant’s teething properly for the best tooth development and growth.

Many parents are unsure whether they’re making the best decisions when it comes to choices in their children’s lives; tooth care isn’t any less worrisome. Dental care can cost you as much as thousands of dollars through the course of your children’s upbringing if they fail to properly care for their teeth.

Humana suggests “what you teach your children about brushing and flossing today may help them avoid complicated dental procedures tomorrow. While good dental health is critical for everyone, regardless of age, instilling healthy habits in kids early may prevent the dread typically associated with climbing into the dentist’s chair.”

We’ve compiled a list of healthy habits you can instill in your children today, including:

1. Teach your toddler good brushing habits, and don’t relent if he or she puts up a fuss before bedtime. Make sure your child knows that regularly brushing his or her teeth is important, and it should be done every day.
2. If your child gets fussy before bedtime, try getting him to brush his teeth right after dinner before getting too tired.
3. Let your child choose toothpaste! There are plenty of toothpastes in bright colors and fun flavors especially designed for kids. Look for ones with the ADA seal of approval, and then let your toddler pick out his or her favorite. This can make brushing more fun!
4. Make brushing a family event!
5. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
6. Drink plenty of water throughout the day!

Looking For More About Pediatric Dentistry in Howell, Michigan?

Dr. DiStefano & Associates are the premier dentists for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, and love working with kids in the community! If you need more information, or need to set up your child’s very first dentist appointment, call us today to get started, or visit our website for more information!

Smart Shopping: Which Dental Ingredients to Avoid

Are you struggling to decide what kinds of products you should be buying when you go to the store?

Are you worried that the products you invest in could actually be doing more harm than good?

You’re not alone! Deciding what products to buy for you and your family can be stressful. At Dr. DiStefano’s office, the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan, we want to help educate you on what types of dental products you should avoid based on their ingredients.

• Buy products that are approved by the ADA: When shopping for dental products, make sure you look for the ADA seal of approval on the packaging. Products that aren’t approved by the ADA could be harmful to your teeth and gums.
• Avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate. The American College of Toxicology says that this ingredient can cause irritation and canker sores.
• Avoid aspartame. You might be familiar with this artificial sweetener in foods, but it can also be found in some toothpastes. 

Talk to your dentist to find out what types of toothpaste, mouthwash, and types of floss are best for your needs. Your family dentist in Howell, Michigan might recommend that you stay away from certain products that could cause you more discomfort.

Looking For More?

If you’d like more information, visit our website, or call us today to speak with a member of our team! Dr. DiStefano’s office is the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan and takes great pride in serving the community. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!

Ultimate Toothpaste Guide

You visit your dentist every six months on schedule, and take good care of your teeth in between.

You floss, and brush twice a day, and make sure you never skip a day of your dental routine.

Are you sure you’re doing everything you can to take great care of your teeth in between checkups? Did you know that the type of toothpaste you’re using could be the difference between a bad checkup and a great checkup with your dentist?

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we want to help you take great care of your teeth in between checkups and save you time at the store. Take a look at some of the different categories of toothpaste listed below to figure out what kind will work best for you!

Different Types Of Toothpaste:

• Whitening Toothpaste: Almost every brand you’re familiar with offers a different type of whitening toothpaste. Be careful when you purchase this type – some products contain harsh materials to scrub away surface stains! Whitening toothpaste can cause sensitivity and is not recommended for people under the age of 18. If you want to whiten your teeth with toothpaste, talk to your family dentist in Howell, Michigan for safer, cheaper options!
• Sensitivity Toothpaste: Some people experience discomfort when drinking hot or cold foods. If you have this problem, consider getting toothpaste that’s made for sensitivity! This specially formulated toothpaste is less abrasive than regular toothpastes.
• Children’s Toothpaste: Many brands make toothpastes especially for kids that are specially formulated. These toothpastes can be swallowed (just in case your child accidentally swallows while brushing) and comes in kid-friendly flavors that contain less fluoride.
• Tartar Control: This type of toothpaste contains ingredients that work to break down plaque that has already formed on the teeth before it hardens. This toothpaste can be used as a preventative measure for people who are prone to developing tartar.

If you still have questions about what type of toothpaste you should be using, contact your family dentist in Howell, Michigan!

Let us know during your next checkup. We may be able to give you a sample of specialty toothpaste, or suggest which type would best suit your needs.

Veneers As A Way To Improve Smiles

Are you self-conscious about the way your smile looks?

Are you considering oral surgery to fix the shape of your teeth?

Are you nervous about getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure done?

You’re not alone! Oral surgeries and cosmetic procedures can be scary, especially if you’ve never been to your dentist for anything but a general checkup before.

Don’t worry, your dentist wants to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted! There are several ways your dentist can help you get your confidence back. One that you might not know about is dental veneers.

How Can Veneers Improve My Smile?

Veneers are applied to the face of your tooth and can give the appearance of a white, perfect tooth even if your originals are discolored, misshapen or cracked.

Porcelain veneers can cover up a variety of imperfections on the face of the tooth, and can be matched to the color of your existing teeth.

In addition to covering up any insecurities you might have about your smile, porcelain veneers don’t stain as easily as a natural teeth, and can last longer, allowing you to have the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted for years to come.

Are Veneers a Painful Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure?

The process of bonding the veneers to the teeth typically takes two to three dentist visits to complete, and the dentist will apply a local anesthetic before the procedure. The overall process is not very painful, but can be uncomfortable.

Where Can I Get More Information About Cosmetic Dentistry?

For more information about porcelain veneers, the process of getting them applied to your teeth, and how to take care of them afterwards, visit our website! On our site you can also find information about other cosmetic dentistry procedures that Dr. DiStefano & Associates provides.

5 Things You Should Do in the New Year to Have A Healthier Mouth

Do you want to do a better job taking care of your teeth in the New Year?

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to start going to the dentist more often?

Are you looking for things you can do in between appointments to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible?

You’re not alone! Many Americans put health issues at the top of their New Year’s Resolution lists every year, and we want to make sure that you know what you can do at home and on the go to make sure your teeth are as healthy as possible.

Here are five things you can start doing to improve the health of your mouth and teeth in 2016:

1. Drink more water! You already know that water is good for you, but did you know that water also helps to wash away acid-producing foods from your mouth? Keeping acid off your teeth can help protect the enamel against erosion. 
2. Try sugar-free drinks and chewing gum! Make the switch to sugar-free drinks and sugar-free chewing gum in 2016. Sugar-free drinks can help wash acid producing food from your mouth and reduce the risk of cavities. Additionally, according to WebMD, chewing gum “increases the flow of saliva, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel.”
3. Eat more cheese and milk! This one might sound a little out there, but cheese and milk can help protect your tooth enamel and ward off cavities. They both encourage saliva production and the protein and calcium in both those foods can buffer the acids in a lot of foods, protecting the enamel of your teeth from erosion. 
4. Chocolate lovers rejoice; eat more cocoa! Also according to WebMD, substances found in cocoa can dampen inflammation and help protect against erosion and decay. Dark chocolate is the best choice to help your teeth, as it is lower in sugar than milk chocolate.
5. Eat more fish! Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory nutrients, and studies have shown that people who have high omega-3 diets are more resistant to gum disease.

Looking For More?

If you want more ideas on how to change the way you eat and take care of your mouth, teeth and gums in 2016, visit our website! Dr. DiStefano & Associates are happy to be the most trusted family dentist in Howell, Michigan and are happy to help you!

3 Things to Avoid in Order to Have Whiter, Healthier Teeth

Are you looking to make a change to better your health in the New Year?

Do you want to have a healthier, whiter smile?

You’re not alone! Many people look for ways to better themselves with their New Year’s Resolutions! If you’re looking for a way to make your mouth healthier next year, we want to help!

You already know that the foods you eat affect how your smile looks, and how your mouth feels. Did you know that certain foods could even affect the strength of your enamel?

Enamel protects your teeth and also keeps them looking nice and shiny. In order to keep that enamel looking and feeling healthy, there are certain things you should avoid in 2016.

1. Sugary drinks – According to WebMD, the bacteria in your mouth that helps break down simple sugars also produces acid, which can erode tooth enamel. This can cause cavities, as well. Avoid sugary drinks like soft drinks and fruit drinks to prevent this from happening.
2. Candy and highly sweetened snacks – You already know that candy is loaded with sugar. That seems like a no-brainer, but did you know that gummy candies are the worst threat to your teeth? Gummy candies adhere to teeth, making it hard for your saliva to wash them away. 
3. Coffee, tea and red wine – This one might seem impossible to a lot of us who need our morning caffeine to get us going! Since we tend to sip coffee and tea slowly, acid levels remain high, which can weaken your enamel. These drinks are also notorious for staining teeth.

What Can I Do Instead to Keep My Teeth White?

In order to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth white, eliminating sugary foods and foods with acids can go a long way.

In addition, drinking coffee and tea sparingly can help keep your teeth looking white. Drinking with a straw can also help keep your enamel strong.

Looking For More?

Dr. DiStefano & Associates has been the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan for over 30 years. We want to help you get the bright and healthy smile you’ve always wanted! Visit our website today to schedule an appointment!

Reliable Products for Teeth Whitening

Let’s face it, for many of us, our pearly whites have become more of a faint yellow. Age, our eating and drinking habits, and tobacco usage can lead to tooth discoloration. Even among those who take very special care of their teeth, it’s impossible to keep that white color we all had when we were kids.

With the holidays fast approaching many people are interested in whitening their teeth, hoping to revitalize their smile. They also have a lot of questions about teeth whitening.

With so many products on the market for teeth whitening, it can be difficult to know what works and what doesn’t. Here at Dr. DiStefano’s office, we want to make sure you get the most for your money!

Whitening Toothpaste

Because they're mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. Whitening toothpastes, however, also contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent.

Tooth-whitening toothpastes are relatively inexpensive and brighten teeth by about one shade. Some whitening toothpastes contain peroxides, but they aren't left on the teeth long enough to have a whitening benefit.

Be aware that some ingredients in whitening toothpastes can cause allergic reactions for some people.

When looking for whitening toothpastes at a supermarket, they can easily be found next to the regular toothpastes. Nevertheless, always look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal, which ensure product quality.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Systems

In office whitening treatments can get your teeth much whiter than whitening toothpastes, and it can be done in one visit!

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we offer EZ White™.

An hour, dentist-supervised procedure that uses a patented, light-activated technology and oxygen-rich gel to break away stains quickly and gently in seconds, for results patients can see instantly. A 39% hydrogen peroxide power bleaching gel offers brighter, whiter teeth.

As an extra bonus an EZ White® Pro Teeth Whitening Pen is included with this procedure to use on your own to maintain your pearly whites!

At-Home Bleaching

You can get a professionally produced whitening system that you administer to yourself.

We offer Opalescence take-home whitening system. This includes custom made bleaching trays that we make for you in our office and the whitening gel.

Another option would be Sheer White professional strength whitening strips, which features 20% Carbamide Peroxide gel.

Too Many Options?

If you’re still having trouble deciding about what teeth whitening solution is best for you, visit our website for more information, or call us at 517-546-8983 to schedule an appointment with your hygienist for a pre-whitening consult so that we can help you choose the professional option that best fits your needs. We’re happy to help you!

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Benefit Your Health

Are you considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure?

Are you concerned about how it will affect the overall health of your mouth?

You’re not alone! Many people ask themselves similar questions when considering dental procedures.

Here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your concerns are important to us, as is the overall health of your mouth! We want to make sure that you are informed about how cosmetic dentistry procedures will affect the rest of your mouth.

For example, if you’re considering teeth reshaping or realignment, this not only will change the way your smile looks, but also can affect your bite.

In addition, lifelike veneers and bonding procedures can help hide wear and tear that happen to teeth over time.

Typically, cosmetic dentistry is done purely to improve the look and feel of your smile, the whiteness of your teeth, and to improve your self-esteem, but it can also be very beneficial to the overall health of your mouth.

Looking For More?

Making sure you’re as informed as possible is important to us here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates! Visit our website for more information on cosmetic dentistry, or call us today to speak to one of our knowledgeable and friendly professionals!

6 Foods That Lead To a Great Smile!

Have you always dreamed of having a Hollywood smile?

Do you waste a lot of money on teeth whitening, but are never satisfied with the results?

A smile is often the first thing you notice first about someone. It makes a statement! 

What does your smile say about you?

Teeth whitening doesn’t work for everyone but can be worth a shot. However, there are natural ways you can whiten your teeth without buying expensive products at your local drugstore or going to the dentist.

An amazing little-known secret that most people don’t realize is that whitening your teeth is as simple as watching the foods you eat. The darker the food or drink, the likelihood it will stain your teeth becomes at higher risk. 

According to WebMD, mouth healthy food and drinks include:

1. Water (especially fluoridated water)
2. Milk
3. Unsweetened teas
4. Cheeses
5. Chicken or other meats
6. Nuts

However, keep in mind, these tips are for a person in relatively good health who goes to the dentist for regular checkups. Some stains on teeth are far beyond fixing by just eating the right foods and using bleaching tools; you may need to schedule a thorough cleaning and examination at your favorite dentist in Howell, Michigan.   

Our dedicated dentists in Howell at Dr. DiStefano & Associates provide excellent personalized care and services to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our ultimate goal is to help improve yours 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 dentists in Howell Michigan. We’ll get you on your way to better health! 517-546-8983