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!

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!

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

A Whiter, Brighter Smile With Dr. DiStefano, Howell Family Dentist!

Whiten Your Smile While You Sleep!   It’s Easy With Dr. DiStefano, Your Howell Family Dentist!

Have you looked in the mirror and noticed that your smile isn’t quite as bright as it used to be? 

Do your teeth look discolored or just darker than you remember? 

Have you considered teeth whitening, but have heard that the bleach tastes gross, and may even hurt your teeth after a few minutes? 

Our number one priority is your oral health.  However, we also want to help you feel good about your smile.  Your teeth have probably become discolored due to diet, tobacco use, or even your age!   It happens to most of us, and you shouldn’t feel bad because there’s something you can do about it!  We’re here to help you get your bright smile back! 

We offer two different teeth whitening systems: Sheer White Professional Grade Whitening Strips and Opalescence Professional Whitening Trays.  Both Sheer White, and Opalescence have a higher level of bleach than what you’d find in at-home whitening systems.  Plus, Dr. DiStefano and his staff are available to answer your questions and support you on your journey to whiter, brighter teeth! 

Visit our website to learn which teeth whitening system is right for you! 

It could take less than ten days to get that smile you’ve always wanted!

Bottled or Tap Water? Dr. DiStefano, Your Howell Family Dentist Weighs In!

Are you encouraging your family to make healthier choices?

It’s widely known that diet and exercise are key to a healthy lifestyle.  Part of a healthy diet is adequate hydration. 

Americans drink over 8 billion gallons of bottled water a year.  Not all brands of bottled water contain fluoride, the natural mineral that prevents tooth decay.  Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and re-mineralizes teeth damaged by acid. Fluoride is also in many toothpastes and dental rinses, and can be applied as a varnish or gel by dentists. 

Unfortunately, most bottlers don’t clearly list on their label whether or not their water is fluoridated.  The U.S Food and Drug Administration doesn’t currently require that bottles be labeled with the level of fluoride, unless it’s purposefully added during processing. 

Did you know that it’s estimated that half of all 5 year-olds have visual evidence of tooth decay?  In 2009, an Eastern Virginia Medical School conducted a study and found that almost 70 percent of parents gave their children bottled water to drink. They did so for the convenience, preference for the taste and smell, and fear of tap water contamination. 

Keep in mind, however, that studies have not proven that the increased consumption of bottled water is directly correlated to a rise in tooth decay.  High-sugar diets could in fact be the main culprit, though Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, an American Dental Association spokesman, states that “Fluoridated tap water is now believed by experts to reduce the risk of tooth decay by about 25 percent.”  It’s the single most effective and economical way to prevent tooth decay and it’s widely available through tap water.

If you’re concerned that you and your family are not getting enough fluoride, please call to schedule an appointment with Dr. DiStefano.  He and his staff will discuss your concerns and help you decide if a fluoride treatment is necessary.  Dr. DiStefano and Associates truly care about helping you improve your family’s health. 

Sign up to receive more great tips from Dr. DiStefano including:

• Brushing & Flossing Best Practices
• Tips for Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist
•  What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency
• Helpful Information About Head, Neck, Jaw and Facial Pain

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