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.   
 

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.

You Could be Flossing Wrong! Dr. DiStefano, Howell Family Dentist Shares the Right Way to Floss!

Flossing: Is it your New Year’s Resolution? It should be!

Do you floss daily? 

Flossing can eliminate most of the bacteria in your mouth that causes periodontal disease, tooth loss, tooth decay, and inflamed gums. The more you floss, the healthier you’ll be!

To help improve and protect the oral health of you and your family, Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, DDS and Associates suggests the following way to easily floss your way to better health. 

1. Begin with 15 to 18 inches of floss.
2. Wrap about half of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around your other middle  finger leaving about 2 inches to work with.
3. Hold the floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers, and use a moderate backward and forward motion to guide it between each tooth.
4. Gently bend the floss around the base of each tooth to eliminate plaque build-up.
5. Scrape the floss firmly against a tooth, and move the floss gently up and down and in between gums.
6. Repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth.
7. Use portions of clean floss for each tooth to avoid moving plaque to a different area of your mouth.  

Flossing every day isn’t the only way to prevent dental or health problems! If you check up with your dentist every six months, tooth decay and other problems will fail to exist. Call Doctor DiStefano, your favorite Howell family dentist to schedule your 6 month appointment today! 517-546-8983

A Whiter, Brighter Smile With Dr. DiStefano, Howell Family Dentist!

Whiten Your Smile While You Sleep!   It’s Easy With Dr. DiStefano, Your Howell Family Dentist!

Have you looked in the mirror and noticed that your smile isn’t quite as bright as it used to be? 

Do your teeth look discolored or just darker than you remember? 

Have you considered teeth whitening, but have heard that the bleach tastes gross, and may even hurt your teeth after a few minutes? 

Our number one priority is your oral health.  However, we also want to help you feel good about your smile.  Your teeth have probably become discolored due to diet, tobacco use, or even your age!   It happens to most of us, and you shouldn’t feel bad because there’s something you can do about it!  We’re here to help you get your bright smile back! 

We offer two different teeth whitening systems: Sheer White Professional Grade Whitening Strips and Opalescence Professional Whitening Trays.  Both Sheer White, and Opalescence have a higher level of bleach than what you’d find in at-home whitening systems.  Plus, Dr. DiStefano and his staff are available to answer your questions and support you on your journey to whiter, brighter teeth! 

Visit our website to learn which teeth whitening system is right for you! 

It could take less than ten days to get that smile you’ve always wanted!

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

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. 

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• 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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Dr. DiStefano, Your Howell Family Dentist, Shares Tips on Getting Your Kids to Brush Regularly!

Do you struggle getting your child to 
brush his/her teeth?

When they finally pick up the toothbrush are they brushing correctly and for the recommended time of two minutes?

Are you looking for ideas to help make the process easier and 
more fun for them and less stressful for you?

Dr. DiStefano and his Howell Family Dental staff are ready to partner with you to improve your family’s health.   
We’ve shared some tips below that may make the routine of 
getting your kids to brush more enjoyable. 

Little Individuals

Kids enjoy having some ownership with making choices.  Allow them to pick out an age-appropriate toothbrush.  There are a variety of toothbrushes available that have characters, lights, music and special designs.  You may want to consider getting an electronic spin brush.  A lot of kids enjoy the vibration as it tickles their teeth and gums.

Also consider letting them choose their own flavor of kid’s toothpaste! 

Designate a special cup or disposable cups just for them to rinse with. 

Use charts and reward stickers that highlight their favorite character, sport or hobby. 

Technique

Remind children to brush in a circular motion by comparing brushing to wheels from a “choo choo” train or a car.  This may keep them from brushing back and forth, which can irritate or damage gums.    

Tell a story or read them a book to explain how sugar makes holes in teeth.  If they need more visual evidence that they aren’t brushing enough, show them the “Pink!” by having them chew a tablet made from a dissolving agent that clings to plaque.  These tablets are available at most pharmacies!

Encourage them to make a lot of bubbles and foam when they brush.  You could brush your teeth beside them and have a contest to see who can make the biggest or most bubbles. 

Make an imaginary game out of brushing.  For example, the toothbrush could be a super hero, their toothpaste their special power agent, and they could pretend that they’re waging a battle against monster germs and evil cavities. 

Timing is Everything

Try using an egg timer to ensure they are brushing the appropriate amount of time.  There are numerous designs to choose from, including frogs, cows and Disney characters. 

Sing or play a special song while they brush, and insist that they keep brushing to hear the whole song.  There are also toothbrushes designed to play music or light up while brushing. 

All Together Now

Most children want to be like Mom or Dad.  The simple act of brushing your teeth correctly in their company can inspire them to brush, too.  You may want to comment on how fresh and smooth your teeth feel afterward. 

Try to make brushing a routine.  Have the whole family brush together after dinner or after their last snack before bed.  It may be helpful to do this at least an hour before bed time before everyone is too tired. 

Another fun activity is to allow your child to brush your teeth while you brush theirs.  They may not do much with your brush but it may distract them while you’re brushing theirs.  There’s bound to be lots of giggles! 

Allow them to have their favorite stuffed animal with them when they brush.  Get a special brush for them to brush their toy’s teeth. 

Most importantly, remember to praise them when they remember to brush correctly or without being reminded.   

We’re available to help you work with your child if you continue to have difficulty getting them to brush.  Please give us a call so we can get you on the right track to improving your family’s health. 

Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, DDS & Associates

517-546-8983

http://howelldentistoffice.com/