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 to Find a Kid Friendly Dentist

Is your child afraid to go to the dentist?

Does your child get squeamish in the dentist’s chair?

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary experience!

A dentist’s job is to help find the boo boos in your child’s mouth you didn’t know were there … to prevent further injury. Finding the right dentist for your child makes the transition easier IF they practice being kid friendly.

The family dentists in Howell, Michigan at Dr. Gary DiStefano, D.D.S. & Associates are friendly, caring, and ready to help your child get over their fears.

Ensuring that the dentist’s office is kid friendly just requires a few questions that you may want to ask yourself:

1.      Are the instruments appropriate for your child's mouth?

2.      Is the office staff friendly and accessible?

3.      Is the dentist friendly and accessible?

4.      Do the dentist and staff explain to your child what to expect?

5.      Is the atmosphere friendly and positive?

6.      How does your dentist respond to a scared or crying child?

7.      Are you able to meet the dentist with your child beforehand, so your child knows what to expect?

Our ultimate goal is to help you improve you 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 family dentists in Howell Michigan. Call Doctor Gary DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite family dentist in Howell, Michigan today to schedule your 6-month appointment! 517-546-8983

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

You Could be Flossing Wrong! Dr. DiStefano, Howell Family Dentist Shares the Right Way to Floss!

Flossing: Is it your New Year’s Resolution? It should be!

Do you floss daily? 

Flossing can eliminate most of the bacteria in your mouth that causes periodontal disease, tooth loss, tooth decay, and inflamed gums. The more you floss, the healthier you’ll be!

To help improve and protect the oral health of you and your family, Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, DDS and Associates suggests the following way to easily floss your way to better health. 

1. Begin with 15 to 18 inches of floss.
2. Wrap about half of the floss around the middle finger of one hand, and the rest around your other middle  finger leaving about 2 inches to work with.
3. Hold the floss firmly between your thumbs and index fingers, and use a moderate backward and forward motion to guide it between each tooth.
4. Gently bend the floss around the base of each tooth to eliminate plaque build-up.
5. Scrape the floss firmly against a tooth, and move the floss gently up and down and in between gums.
6. Repeat the entire process with the rest of your teeth.
7. Use portions of clean floss for each tooth to avoid moving plaque to a different area of your mouth.  

Flossing every day isn’t the only way to prevent dental or health problems! If you check up with your dentist every six months, tooth decay and other problems will fail to exist. Call Doctor DiStefano, your favorite Howell family dentist to schedule your 6 month appointment today! 517-546-8983