Howell Family Dentist Suggests How to Avoid a Cavity Nightmare on Halloween!

Do your kids go trick-or-treating?

Do you set a limit on how much candy your kids are allowed to eat after trick-or-treating?

Does your child get a lot of cavities?

If you’re wondering how to avoid a cavity nightmare on Halloween, you’re not alone! Many parents are concerned about their child's candy eating habits getting out of hand at Halloween. Just because it's one night a year doesn't mean that your child isn't exposed to cavity risks.

To keep cavities away and protect your child’s smile this Halloween, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recommends taking these simple steps:

1. Limit the number of times a day your child eats sugary treats or snacks between meals. Serve snacks that will not harm your child’s teeth, such as vegetables, cheese, nuts or seeds.
2. It is best to eat sugary treats at the end of mealtime while there is still plenty of saliva in the mouth. Saliva helps to wash away the sugars and acids.
3. Drinking a glass of water after eating a sugary treat will also help wash away some of the sugars and acids.
4. Avoid soft, sticky treats that get stuck between teeth.
5. Always have your child brush and floss before going to bed.

If you remain strict about following the previous steps with your child then eliminating the risk of developing tooth decay is easy. Halloween is a fun holiday for all! You don’t want a cavity to put a damper on your holiday season by allowing the fear of cavities to overwhelm you.  

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 for our patients so we can remain the best Howell family dentist. We will answer your questions and discuss your concerns and together develop an individualized plan for optimal dental health.  Call us to schedule an appointment for you and your family!

Why Are Porcelain Veneers Popular?

Want to enhance your looks?

Do you have discoloration, misaligned teeth, or gaps between your teeth?

Are you embarrassed by your teeth?

Almost no one has the perfect set of pearly whites. Almost everyone has at least one flaw in their smile, whether it is discoloration, cracked teeth or even irregularly shaped teeth. Porcelain veneers can help transform your teeth’s surface, giving the appearance of a perfect Hollywood smile. 

Our dentist in Howell, Michigan suggests that you must treat your porcelain veneers no different than you’d treat your original teeth, with routine brushing and flossing to eliminate all plack. Many people have success with porcelain veneers since there’s little risk of damaging them unless you clench or grind your teeth at night. If this is indeed the case, your dentist will fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night.

 

Porcelain Veneer Procedure

According to WebMD, the following four steps are involved in the porcelain veneer procedure:

• Diagnosis and treatment planning. During this appointment, you’ll explain to your dentist the result that you’re trying to achieve. Your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve.
• Preparation. On your next visit, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer.
• Bonding. On your last visit before the porcelain veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color, and adjust it as needed. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. Cement is applied to the veneer to place on top of your tooth. Once properly positioned on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden quickly into place. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary.
• Follow up. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

If you believe you’d be a great fit for porcelain veneers, we’ll do everything we can to get you that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted! When you choose us as your dentist in Howell, Michigan, you’ll receive excellent care and education from Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, D.D.S. and Dr. Kaitlyn Monash, D.D.S.  Plus, our friendly team of periodontal therapists, hygienists, and office staff will help make your experience at our practice as pleasant and fun as it can be. 

We’re dedicated to maintaining a high level of service for our patients so we can remain the best dentist in Howell, Michigan. Call us at (517) 546-8983 to schedule your first diagnosis and treatment appointment today! You’ll be on your way to a healthier beautiful smile before you know it!

How to Find a Kid Friendly Dentist

Is your child afraid to go to the dentist?

Does your child get squeamish in the dentist’s chair?

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary experience!

A dentist’s job is to help find the boo boos in your child’s mouth you didn’t know were there … to prevent further injury. Finding the right dentist for your child makes the transition easier IF they practice being kid friendly.

The family dentists in Howell, Michigan at Dr. Gary DiStefano, D.D.S. & Associates are friendly, caring, and ready to help your child get over their fears.

Ensuring that the dentist’s office is kid friendly just requires a few questions that you may want to ask yourself:

1.      Are the instruments appropriate for your child's mouth?

2.      Is the office staff friendly and accessible?

3.      Is the dentist friendly and accessible?

4.      Do the dentist and staff explain to your child what to expect?

5.      Is the atmosphere friendly and positive?

6.      How does your dentist respond to a scared or crying child?

7.      Are you able to meet the dentist with your child beforehand, so your child knows what to expect?

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! 517-546-8983

Learn to Teach Your Child to Care For Their Teeth

Does your child brush his or her teeth every day?

Is your child using the best technique when brushing?

Good dental hygiene starts at home with the parents! Teaching your child how to brush effectively is crucial to prevent future decay.

Many parents just like you find it a challenge to get their child motivated about brushing, especially late in the day. We’re here to tell you that you’re not alone!

If you’re unsure about the best way to teach your child about brushing their teeth, feel free to stop by your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan. We can show you the best techniques! In addition, there are a few guidelines that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends, including:

1. Clean your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth.
2. For children younger than three years, caregivers should begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as they begin to come in by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to ensure that they use of the appropriate amount of toothpaste.
3. For children three to six years of age, caregivers should dispense no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to minimize swallowing of toothpaste.
4. Until you’re comfortable that your child can brush on his or her own, continue to brush your child's teeth twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. When your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing their teeth daily. 

Teaching your kids how to care for their teeth early on can save you time, energy, and money. Don’t break the bank! Start teaching your child best practices for a healthy lifestyle today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know that my child can handle brushing on his or her own?

You’ll know when the time is right, because you’ll be getting good reports back from your child’s dentist.

Is caring for a newborn’s gums necessary?

Yes. It is necessary that you care for your newborn’s gums because it will prevent bacteria from building up and damaging your child’s teeth when they are ready to grow in. 

How do I know my child is ready for the dentist?

The recommended time that it’s necessary for your child to visit the dentist is when they are either 1 year old or when their first tooth arrives. Which ever comes first!

Our ultimate goal is to help you and your family 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

What Everybody Ought To Know About Dental Emergencies

You may avoid dental emergencies if you regularly make visits to the dentist. However, dental emergencies can still happen!

If you’re unsure whether the issue you’re having is considered a dental emergency, always follow this rule of thumb: if it hurts … consider it an emergency!

Typically, a knocked out tooth, a cracked tooth, a broken jaw, an object stuck in the mouth or tooth, and toothaches are all dental emergencies that require treatment as soon as possible.

As one of the premiere family 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.  

Want to avoid a dental emergency? According to the American Dental Association, here’s how:

1. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each with fluoride toothpaste.
2. Flossing the correct way at least once a day.
3. Wear a mouth guard when participating in sports or recreational activities. 
4. Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth. 
5. Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Have you had your checkup lately?  Contact the family dentists in Howell, Michigan today to schedule and get on your way to better health! 

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

Do You Recognize The Common Myths Associated With Root Canals?

Does a root canal sound scary to you?

Most people are terrified to go to the dentist, let alone having the dentist drill on your teeth!

We’re here to tell you that root canals aren’t as scary as they sound. With modern advancements at the family dentist in Howell, Michigan, root canals are painless.

According to American Association of Endodontists (AAE), here are the top myths about root canals:
1.    Root Canal Treatment is Painful – False!

The AAE suggests most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. Toothaches are essentially damaged tissues. Root canal treatment removes damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.

2.    Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness – False!

The infection in the tooth requires treatment that’s intended to remove bacteria from the infected area, prevent reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth.

3.    Extraction is a Good Alternative to a Root Canal – False!

When you can, saving your tooth is always the best choice. If you choose to have your tooth extracted, it can cause irritation, shift your teeth, and may make it difficult to chew some foods you love!

Doing your research is crucial. Sometimes a root canal can be avoided. However, it’s always best to consult with an expert dentist or endodontist at the family dentist in Howell, Michigan. 

Please schedule an appointment with Dr. DiStefano to discuss your concerns and care plan.  As one of the premiere family 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.