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!

Side Effects from Teeth Whitening

Are you considering getting a teeth whitening procedure done?

Are you concerned about side effects that could affect your health?

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we care about the health of you and your family, and we want to make sure you get the best information possible before deciding on a cosmetic procedure like teeth whitening!

Your smile is important to your self-esteem, and we want you to achieve the smile of your dreams. There are many options available for teeth whitening, and like any medical procedure, some side effects.

Being well informed prior to making a decision on a whitening solution could save you money and unnecessary pain!

Common Side Effects

Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of teeth whitening.

If sensitivity occurs, it is often temporary and will go away once you've completed the whitening process.

Here at Dr. DiStefano’s office we recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste while using any whitening system and limiting your consumption of acidic foods and drinks.

According to the American Dental Association, using a whitening product too much can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so when considering a whitening option, make sure you follow the guidelines recommended by your dentist before putting anything on your teeth.

Looking for More Information?

Are you still not sure what teeth whitening option is best for you? Visit our website for more information about our new in-office whitening product and to talk to knowledgeable and friendly dental professionals about your options!

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!

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dentistry

Do you struggle with your self-esteem?

Do your self-esteem issues start with your mouth?

Do you wish your teeth were a little whiter, or a little straighter?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, cosmetic dentistry might be the right solution for you!

Cosmetic dentistry is any dental procedure that focuses on the appearance of your teeth, such as teeth whitening, tooth reshaping, and veneers.

If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, here are some pros and cons you should also take into account:

Pros:

1. Dental procedures are more advanced than ever, causing most procedures to be painless.
2. Teeth whitening procedures can be done in the dentist office, or at home, for added convenience.
3. Many procedures can be done for as little as $300.

Cons:

1. Since these procedures are considered aesthetic, many dental insurance plans will not cover things like teeth whitening, bonding, or veneers.
2. Some veneers will need be replaced over the years, and replacements can be costly.

For more on your options and for help making an informed decision, visit our website, and contact Dr. DiStefano today!

How to Floss Correctly – Howell Family Dentist

Are you flossing correctly?

Are you worried that you’re not doing a good job?

You know that when you visit your Howell dentist office, the hygienist is going to ask you about your flossing habits, and here at Dr. DiStefano & Associates, we want to make sure you’re well informed!

Flossing is important, and doing it correctly can mean the difference between a healthy mouth, and hundreds of dollars in dental bills.

How To Floss

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you floss at least once a day. Flossing properly will keep food from getting stuck in your gums, which can lead to tartar buildup.

The dentists at your Howell dentist office recommend using about 18 inches of floss, wound around each middle finger. Holding the floss tight between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up and down between your teeth.

Make sure you use clean sections of floss as you move from one tooth to another!

Need To Set Up An Appointment?

At Dr. DiStefano & Associates, your health is the most important thing to us! If you’re looking for a dentist that takes great pride in putting the patient first, look no further! Give us a call today to set up an appointment!