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!

Tips to Help Sensitive Teeth

Do you have sensitive teeth or gums? Do you notice a pang when you eat hot or cold foods? Do sugary treats leave your teeth zinging?

Sensitivity in your teeth can greatly affect your quality of life, but you’re not alone! A survey of dentists across the U.S. reports that as many as 1 in 8 Americans suffers from sensitive teeth and/or gums.

How can you stop the pain in your teeth so you can enjoy things like ice cream, cold drinks, and sugary snacks again? We’ve got the answers!

According to the American Dental Association, the most common causes of sensitivity include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth rot

Underneath the gum line of your teeth, and beneath the enamel and cementum that protect your teeth, there’s dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel and contains small hollow canals. When these small canals are exposed to heat, cold, or acidic and sticky foods, the nerves in your tooth are affected, leading to hypersensitivity.

Here’s the good news: sensitive teeth can be treated by your dentist! You can also use over the counter products like a desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, or even have a root canal to help protect the nerves inside your teeth and gums.

If the sensitivity in your teeth and gums is because of a larger dental issue, we can help! Our team of specialists works hard to ensure your comfort by only using gentle dental procedures to help lessen your pain.

To find out how we can help treat your sensitivity, contact us today! We’re ready to help you and make sure you can get back to normal again.

How to Get Relief From Headaches Due to Dental Problems

Are you suffering from chronic headaches?

Do you suffer from pain in your jaw, ears or face?

Is this pain causing you to miss work, miss out on time with your family, or miss out on social activities?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, you deserve some relief! Dr. DiStefano is the premier headache dentist in Howell, Michigan, and knows how hard it can be to suffer from chronic pain due to dental issues.

How Do My Teeth Affect My Jaw and Face?

You might not realize it, but you can suffer from joint pain in your mouth. After all, your jaw is one big joint! Pain in your jaw can exist for a number of reasons. Dental issues such as teeth grinding, or TMJ disorder can affect your bite, making your jaw sore.

This pain in your jaw can radiate out to your eyes and ears, and even cause migraines.

How Can I Get Rid of My Pain?

Pain in your jaw can be unbearable, and at Dr. DiStefano’s office, we want to help you get relief! There are several ways you can get rid of pain in your jaw, ears, face, and even from migraines.

1. Physical therapy
2. Dental work
3. Treatment for TMJ disorder

Come visit the premier headache dentist in Howell, Michigan about your pain and see how we can help you get the relief you deserve! Visit our website to learn more about TMJ and headache pain due to dental issues!

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!

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!

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 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!

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