Poor Flossing Habits Can Lead to Oral Health Problems

When you brush and floss, do your gums feel sensitive?

Do you have pain or even bleeding when you floss?

Whenever you go to the dentist, does your hygienist tell you that you need to improve your flossing habits?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time for you to see your Howell family dentist.

Flossing is one of the most important things you can do for your mouth. Flossing gets rid of food particles and harmful buildup that can lead to infections and even gum disease.

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your health is extremely important to us, and we want to make sure that you know a healthy mouth starts with flossing.

Flossing once per day, especially before bedtime and using proper flossing habits can prevent gum disease, gingivitis, infections, and increase the health of your gums!

If you’re still concerned that your mouth isn’t as healthy as it should be, make an appointment with your Howell family dentist! We want to make sure you’re taken care of, and have the knowledge you need to stay healthy.

Visit our website for more information on how to floss properly, and schedule an appointment today!

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

Do you have a child between the ages of 6 months and one year? 

Are you concerned about when you should schedule their first dentist visit?

Are you worried that you’re not doing everything you can to ensure their mouths are healthy?

Many parents express these concerns. Going to the dentist with a small child can seem like a huge hurdle, especially if your child is fussy around strangers or experiences separation anxiety. 

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we take pediatric dentistry seriously, and want to make sure your child has the best care possible, especially at their first visit. 

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), “the first dental visit should occur within six months after the baby’s first tooth appears, but no later than the child’s first birthday.”

Here are some things you should expect out of your child’s first dental checkup:

1. The dentist will perform a basic checkup, and discuss best practices for your child’s teeth. It’s best to meet your child’s pediatric dentist when there are no problems, according to the ADA. “A dentist can show you how to clean your child’s teeth, discuss diet and fluoride needs and recommend oral care products.”
2. The dentist will look for small signs of tooth decay. The ADA says that tooth decay can occur as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. This can be a painful, especially for toddlers, so it’s best to make sure this isn’t happening at their very first checkup.
3. The dentist will look for problems related to habits such as thumb or finger sucking. 
4. The dentist will recommend a schedule for your child’s dental visits. 

For more tips on how to make sure your child’s visits to the dentist go as smooth as possible, visit our website to read more about our commitment to pediatric dentistry!

Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Fear of the Dentist

Are you getting ready for your child’s first visit to the dentist?

Are you concerned that they’ll be scared or have anxiety about seeing the dentist?

Many parents across America share these concerns. Choosing a dentist and making sure your child is comfortable is likely your top priority, and Dr. DiStefano & Associates wants to make that our top priority, too!

We pride ourselves on specializing in pediatric care, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure your child has a positive experience.

Here are some tips for a positive pediatric dentist visit, according to the American Dental Association:

- Schedule your child’s first visit between the arrival of their first tooth and their first birthday. Seeing the dentist before there’s an emergency will allow the visit to be a calmer, positive experience.

- Remember to stay calm! Even if you, as a parent, experience anxiety about going to the dentist, try to stay positive, so your child will too.

- Make sure you never bribe your child to go to the dentist, or use it as a punishment! This approach will not teach your child to be proactive about taking care of his or her mouth.

- Take your child’s favorite toy, stuffed animal, or even a security blanket for them to hold while they’re at the dentist. This should help them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

For more tips and for what to expect at your child’s first dentist visit, check out our website! Dr. DiStefano & Associates is the premier dental health provider in Howell, Michigan. Give us a call today to see how we can help you improve the health of your family.

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

Are you seeing the dentist as often as you should?

Does the anxiety and even fear of the dentist keep you from making regular appointments?

You’re not alone! Many people experience anxiety and fear before seeing their dentist.

Here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we are committed to your oral health, and we do our best to make sure that you have all the gentle dental procedures available to keep your visits relatively pain-free.

According to the American Dental Association, “there is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment”, and they recommend that you should visit the dentist at least once or twice a year, and then consult with your dentist to find out how often you need to visit in the future.

Since every person is different, each person’s individual needs must be taken into account when planning visits to their dentist. When you visit Dr. DiStefano’s office, we will work with you to find a plan that not only works with your busy schedule, but allows for anxiety-free, pain-free, gentle dental options.

Don’t allow your anxiety about visiting your dentist to compromise the health of your mouth! Your smile is important to you and to us! Visit our website today to see how we can help you!

New Dentistry Trends to Look Out For

How long has it been since you’ve been to your dentist?

Have you noticed all the new technology in the office during your cleanings, x-rays or other procedures?

Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for some people, and a source of major anxiety. However, as new technology in dentistry becomes available, many more pain-free, gentle dental options are available!

Every day, researchers and scientists are working on new, more gentle dental technologies to not only make your visits fewer and further between, but less painful and less costly when you do come to the dentist.

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we are committed not only to your oral health, but to making sure that you are given the most effective, pain-free treatments when you visit us! New advances in dental technology will soon make this a reality.

In addition, with the advances in dental technology, more educational tools will be available to you in dentist offices across the country!

Looking For More?

Visit our website for more on gentle dental technology and how Dr. DiStefano’s office is committed to making sure you are taking great care of your mouth! Visit our site today to see how we can help you!

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!