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.

How to Break 5 Bad Dental Habits

Are you sure you’re taking the best possible care of your teeth?

Are you doing everything you can to make sure that your teeth and gums are not only healthy, but aren’t irritated or inflamed?

Are you aware of any bad habits that could be compromising the overall health of your mouth and gums?

Don’t feel guilty – bad habits happen to all of us! We all have cheats and tricks to get out of chores we don’t like, and those can include issues with brushing, flossing and taking care of our teeth!

Catching these bad habits could be the thing standing in the way between you and a great dental exam.

Here are some common mistakes we see in our patients’ six month checkups:

• Getting carried away while brushing
• Whitening too much
• Grinding your teeth/clenching your jaw
• Trying to take care of aches and pains at home

Brushing your teeth correctly is always going to outweigh how much you brush your teeth. In fact, brushing too vigorously can actually mean you’re not doing a good job getting rid of germs and plaque! Slow down, take your time, and be gentle!

Teeth whitening can be addictive. You want a shiny, sparkly smile, and there are plenty of over-the-counter products to help you. Always talk to your dentist before you try a new product to find out what they recommend, and remember to only whiten your teeth once or twice per year! Whitening too often can inflame your gums and damage your enamel.

If you’re grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, there are a variety of reasons why this can be detrimental to your health! If you’re doing it at night, grinding and clenching can be signs of stress, anxiety, or larger dental problems such as TMJ disorder. Talk to your dentist if you notice a sore jaw, or frequent headaches!

Most importantly, never try to tackle dental work at home. It can be tempting to use wives’ tales or internet advice to take care of a toothache, but this could lead to bigger problems. If you’re having trouble with your teeth or gums, call your dentist right away.

Many bad dental habits are caused by anxiety about seeing the dentist. We know it can be scary, and that’s why we work hard to make our practice a comfortable place, and use only gentle dental procedures and methods. To find out more, contact Dr. DiStefano & Associates today!

Kid Friendly Guide For Fighting Cavities With Fluoride

Trying to teach your child how to brush their teeth can be challenging! Trying to teach them about healthy habits to promote good oral health can be even more challenging, especially when you have to cut back on the sweets and sodas that your child loves.

To help your kids understand why oral health is so important, you can teach them about the built-in cavity fighters in their drinking water!

Teaching kids this way can make them feel like they’re protecting their teeth just by using the water in their tap, making it less like a chore.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a quick 4-step guide for you to explain to your kids how to maintain good oral health:

1. Drink water that has fluoride
2. Brush twice a day with the right amount of fluoridated toothpaste
3. Eat a healthy diet, limiting sweet drinks, sticky candies, and snacks
4. Talk to your dentist or doctor about fluoride treatments

Regulated amounts of fluoride in the drinking water in most cities will help your children get the fluoride they need to put them on the right track to oral health just by brushing their teeth!

You can also purchase fluoride-free dental products for very small children (younger than two years old) to save for when they’re able to take care of their dental hygiene themselves.

When they’re ready to learn, you can find more information on our website, or by visiting your trusted family dentist in Howell, Michigan!

Soothing Techniques For Patients

Are you nervous or anxious just walking into the reception area of your dentist’s office?

What happens when you go into the exam room? Do your nerves get even worse?

Going to the dentist can be a stressful and sometimes even a fearful experience for people. Some surveys suggest that dental phobia affects 13% to 24% of people around the world!

With so many people suffering from anxiety and stress at the dentist, we want to make sure that you’re always comfortable and relaxed when you visit Dr. DiStefano & Associates!

We use many gentle dental techniques when you come to visit us to ensure your comfort and to soothe any lingering anxieties you might have when you come in, whether for a teeth cleaning, to get a cavity filled, or for any other procedure we offer.

If you get nervous before visiting the dentist, here are some suggestions for things you can do to make sure that you’re as calm and collected as possible in the waiting room and exam room.

• Bring your ipod and listen to music in the waiting room! Listening to your favorite artist can relax you and put you in a better mood.
• If sitting in the waiting room makes you anxious, try not to arrive too early. Get there 10 minutes early (if you don’t have to fill out paperwork!) to decrease the amount of time you sit and think about your procedure.
• Talk to your dentist! Many dentists and hygienists know that people can be nervous about their dental appointments, and many will go out of their way to make sure that you’re comfortable.

For more information or to find out how the team at Dr. DiStefano’s office can help you get over your dental phobia, contact us today!

Tips To Make Your Child Great at Flossing

If you have kids, you know how challenging it can be to teach them proper brushing and flossing habits.

Some kids have trouble learning how to hold a toothbrush or figuring out how to reach all their teeth, and trying to teach them how to floss properly can be a nightmare.

If you’re having trouble teaching your child proper flossing habits, our staff at Dr. DiStefano’s office want to help! As the premier source for pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan, our team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals knows how hard it can be to even get your child to sit still long enough to learn!

1. Start teaching your child to floss when their teeth begin to touch. Since kids often have large gaps between their teeth, wait until they fit closer together to teach them the right way to floss.
2. Teach your kids using wide, flat dental tape. Several brands make “easy glide” dental floss that will feel better on your child’s gums.
3. Make sure to floss both sides of their teeth! Even if your child is missing a tooth on one side, it’s important to floss both sides of every tooth.
4. Some kids might benefit from using a flosser that is designed for small hands. GUM Crayola brand makes small flossers that are bright and colorful, and are designed for small hands.

Getting your kids in the habit of brushing and flossing everyday while they’re young will encourage them to keep up those habits into their young adult and adult lives!

If your kids aren’t getting the hang of it, make sure to stop in and see Dr. DiStefano & Associates! We want to help your kids learn how to take better care of their teeth, and help you with the teaching process as well!

Call us at 517-546-8983 or visit our website for more information about pediatric dentistry in Howell, Michigan or to set up your first appointment!

Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder

Are you suffering from pain related to TMJ disorder?

Are you trying to get rid of the pain quickly?

More than 10 million Americans are affected by TMJ disorder. TMJ can cause pain in the face, ears and jaw, and even contribute to migraines.

If you’re looking for the best headache dentist in Howell, Michigan, look no further than Dr. DiStefano’s office! Our philosophy is to treat your TMJ issues like orthopedic issues – after all, your jaw is a joint! In our 25 years of using orthopedic and osteopathic principles to treat TMJ, we’ve seen great success.

If you’re suffering from jaw pain, ear or face pain, and migraines, here are some treatment options available to you:

• First, get a correct diagnosis of your symptoms.
• This is important to determine which types of therapy will work best for you!
• Therapy
• Exercises to relieve joint pain
• Osteopathic medicine
• Physical therapy
• MRI
• Acupuncture
• Counseling
• Orthopedic appliances

At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we’ll help you understand your symptoms better and get you the pain relief you deserve!

Looking for More?

For more information about TMJ disorder, visit our website! As the premier headache dentist in Howell, Michigan, we believe that knowledge is important when it comes to treatment; see how we can help you today!

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 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!

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!

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!

Are You Stressed Out? Your Family Dentist in Howell, Michigan Can Tell!

Do you suffer from frequent anxiety or stress?

Are you starting to notice pain in your jaw or gums?

These two questions might be more related than you think, and it might be time to schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Howell, Michigan!

It is widely believed that too much stress or anxiety can create of oral problems, such as teeth grinding or clenching jaws. However, since most people typically grind their teeth in their sleep without even knowing it, the pain in your jaw or teeth might seem to come out of nowhere.

Regularly seeing your dentist can help identify the causes for pain in those areas, and will help your dentist to see if you could be suffering from one of two common stress-related disorders: Bruxism and Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and provide a solution.

Bruxism: Bruxism is a disorder that’s commonly presented with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. A lot of people who have this disorder aren’t aware that they’re doing damage to their jaw or their teeth until the pain comes. This disorder can be caused by stress and anxiety.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD): TMD is a group of conditions, not just one, that affect the jaw and other muscles in the neck. When you’re stressed or feeling anxious, a common way your body shows it is to clench your jaw, causing those muscles to become sore after overuse.

Some signs that you may be experiencing one or both of these disorders:

1. The tips of your teeth appear flat
2. The enamel on your teeth is rubbed off
3. Extreme sensitivity on the teeth (due to less enamel)
4. Indentations in your tongue (likely from clenching the jaw) 

If you think your stress or anxiety may be affecting you by causing pain in your teeth or jaw, make sure you talk to your family dentist in Howell, Michigan! They may be able to correctly identify the problem and set you up with a treatment plan. In addition, you should continue to keep up with brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.

Call to Schedule an Appointment

 

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.

Your health and smile are vital for you and very important to us! Contact us today 517-546-8983 to schedule an appointment and get on your way to better health and joyful life!

How To Keep Your Gums Healthy

Do you worry that you’re not doing everything that you can to keep your gums healthy?

It seems like today there are so many things to worry about when it comes to your health, and oral disorders can be invisible, making it even harder to know if you’re taking care of yourself properly. To avoid dental problems that could cost you hundreds of dollars, here are some easy steps to add to your life to make sure you have top-notch dental hygiene:

1)    Visit your dentist regularly: The best thing you can do to prevent any major dental problems is to see your family dentist in Howell, Michigan regularly. 6-month checkups are vital to making sure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible.

2)    Make sure you’re eating healthy: There are lots of foods we eat that can contribute to the health of our teeth and gums. Calcium-rich foods (yogurt, cheese, milk, etc.) are very good for your teeth, helping to ensure they’re as strong as possible. If you eat candy or any kind of sweets, make sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterwards to keep the sugar from staying in your mouth all day.

3)    Brush and floss properly: This might seem like a no-brainer, but brushing properly (twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste) and flossing are the best ways to take care of your gums. Floss helps remove plaque, which is the leading cause for gingivitis, and food particles, which can make the gums irritated. Your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan recommends using 18 inches of floss to reach all the areas of the mouth.

4)    Know the risk factors for gum disease: Preventive care involves knowing the risk factors of gum disease, which allows you to take the proper measures against any existing symptoms. The most common risk factors associated with this disease are:

• Age. Older people have the highest rates of gum disease, and that’s why continuing good dental hygiene as you get older is so important.
• Smoking or tobacco use. Aside from other health concerns, smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco (or both) can be very detrimental to the health of your mouth. A lot of studies suggest that tobacco use can increase the development of gum disease at an alarming rate.
• Genetics. Is there a history of gum disease in your family? If the answer is yes, there is a chance that you might be more likely to develop gum disease yourself, no matter how well you take care of your teeth. Your dentist can help evaluate you and put you on a preventive plan.

Be Your Best Advocate

The best thing to do if you think you’re at risk of developing gum disease is to see your dentist, and know the facts! The more knowledgeable you are, the more you’re capable of taking proper care of your gums.
 

Call to Schedule an Appointment With Your 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.

Your health and smile are vital for you and very important to us! Contact us today 517-546-8983 to schedule an appointment and get on your way to better health and joyful life!

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