Do You Recognize The Common Myths Associated With Root Canals?

Does a root canal sound scary to you?

Most people are terrified to go to the dentist, let alone having the dentist drill on your teeth!

We’re here to tell you that root canals aren’t as scary as they sound. With modern advancements at the family dentist in Howell, Michigan, root canals are painless.

According to American Association of Endodontists (AAE), here are the top myths about root canals:
1.    Root Canal Treatment is Painful – False!

The AAE suggests most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. Toothaches are essentially damaged tissues. Root canal treatment removes damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.

2.    Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness – False!

The infection in the tooth requires treatment that’s intended to remove bacteria from the infected area, prevent reinfection of the tooth, and save the natural tooth.

3.    Extraction is a Good Alternative to a Root Canal – False!

When you can, saving your tooth is always the best choice. If you choose to have your tooth extracted, it can cause irritation, shift your teeth, and may make it difficult to chew some foods you love!

Doing your research is crucial. Sometimes a root canal can be avoided. However, it’s always best to consult with an expert dentist or endodontist at the 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.  

A brief history of dental fillings!

Do you know someone who has a gold filled tooth? 

Are you wondering what your dentist in Howell, Michigan uses for your fillings? 

We’ll tell you soon.  But first, here’s a little history of amalgams, or fillings. 

In the early 1800’s tin was the most popular material used in fillings because it was inexpensive.  Dentists also used aluminum and asbestos until about 1850.  Amalgam was originally a mixture of silver, tin, and mercury and became popular in approximately 1855.  This mixture was popular because of its low cost, strength, durability and dentists found it easy to use.  Throughout history, there has been concern over the use of mercury and the harmful affects it could cause. 

During the 19th Century a variety of metals were used for filling drilled teeth: gold, platinum, silver and lead.  Of course, once scientists discovered that people were being poisoned with the lead fillings, dentists stopped using lead in the latter part of the century. 

Today, most amalgam fillings contain approximately 50% liquid mercury, 20-30% silver, 14% tin, 8% copper, and zinc with other trace metals.  Even though The Food and Drug Administration states that patients with silver amalgam fillings do not need to have them removed, many dentists are now using composite to fill teeth because they don’t want to take a chance with the health of their patients. 

Thankfully, dentistry has changed quite a bit since the 20th century, or many people would probably be missing a few teeth.  As a premiere dentist in Howell, Michigan, Dr. DiStefano and his team use a white composite for fillings.  If you get a cavity and have a tooth restored, the filling used will match the color of your tooth. 

Of course, the best possible scenario is to avoid getting a cavity!  You can do this by brushing and flossing regularly, eating good nutritious foods, avoiding excess sugar, and drinking a lot of water.  When you take good care of your teeth, you’ll not only avoid fillings, but you’ll also be less likely to develop a major disease. 

Have you had your checkup lately?  Contact us today to schedule and get on your way to better health!  Oh, and don’t forget that if you’re under the age of 18, you can join Dr. DiStefano’s “Kid’s No Cavity Club” for a chance to win a prize. 





Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalgam_%28dentistry%29

http://www.ehow.com/about_5210060_history-dental-fillings.html

Dr. DiStefano Dishes On "How to Avoid the Embarrassment of Bad Breath!"

If your breath keeping you from getting close?

Avoid the Embarrassment of Bad Breath!

While it’s normal to get morning breath, which occurs when your mouth produces less saliva while you’re asleep, bad breath can cause embarrassment and keep you from making a close connection with others.  Mouthwash will temporarily mask bad breath, but it’s important to identify the true culprit. 

We hope we’re your favorite dentist in Howell, Michigan…  and we’d like to share the typical causes and steps you can take to cure any offending odor.  Your social life may depend on it!

Causes of Bad Breath

The biggest cause of bad breath is dry mouth

• Poor dental hygiene – as in food particles that remain in the mouth. Food can rot and cause odors.  Food residue creates plaque build-up and can lead to periodontal disease, a serious health issue.  

• Dental infections, like cavities, can also cause mouth odor. 

• Tobacco will not only stain your teeth, but cause stinky breath.

• Foods and drinks can cause bad breath: garlic, onions, spicy foods, curry, fish, some cheese, and both acidic and alcoholic beverages. 

• Overuse of vitamins and supplements, and certain medications, can cause dry mouth.

• Health problems can lead to bad breath – such as sinus infections, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, lactose intolerance and others. 

Cures for Bad Breath

• Maintain proper dental hygiene.  Brush (including your tongue) and floss regularly. 

• See your dentist every six months.  

Breath Spray May Not 

Help!

• Treat any health issues that may be causing bad breath, such as diabetes, acid reflux, etc. 

• If you need to take medication that causes dry mouth, ask Dr. DiStefano, your helpful dentist in Howell, Michigan, about artificial saliva that may help alleviate your symptoms.

• Keep your mouth moist by drinking water regularly or chewing sugar-free gum. 

• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

• Avoid foods and beverages that can cause bad breath. 

So… you’ve just learned that your bad breath could stem from more than just your garlic-laden lunch!  It could be a much more serious and embarrassing issue.  Please schedule an appointment with Dr. DiStefano to discuss your concerns and care plan.  As one of the premiere 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 Meds Could Be Harming Your Teeth!

Are you, like many Americans, taking prescription medicine for allergies, asthma, or high blood pressure?

Did you know that many commonly used medicines can have an adverse effect on your oral health?

It’s extremely important to communicate which medications you’re taking to the team at Dr. DiStefano, D.D.S., your favorite dentist in Howell, Michigan. 

Sound the alarm!  A few scary examples: 

Non-aerosol asthma inhalers contain lactose to improve the flavor.  It may taste better, but lactose is a milk sugar.  The inhaled medicine can coat your teeth with sugar that promotes tooth decay. 

If you suffer from spring and summer allergies, you most likely use an antihistamine to tolerate that runny, sneezy, and itchy feeling.  Antihistamines are notorious for causing dry mouth, which increases the rate of tooth decay, that leads to periodontal disease. 

Nearly one in three Americans takes blood pressure medicine.  It’s important to take this medication to control hypertension.  If you’re someone who takes this kind of medicine, it’s extra important to maintain good dental care.  Blood pressure tablets can cause your gums to grow larger, making it difficult to properly brush and floss.  This can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss. 

Please take a few minutes and read about more commonly used medications that can have an adverse affect on your oral health.  More importantly, make sure you provide us a full list of the medications you’re taking.  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 to our patients so we can remain the best dentist in Howell, Michigan.

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

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!

A Howell Family Dentist Explains how Proper Oral Care can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease, Cancer and Stroke!

Did you know that more studies are linking periodontal disease to serious, sometimes fatal diseases like heart disease, stroke and certain cancers?  

A few more scary facts:

• Periodontal disease affects up to 75% of the world's population! 
• Gum inflammation and bone loss is not always painful.  Which is a problem, since many of us don't seek care from a dentist or doctor until we feel pain!  
• Research indicates that even with proper oral care, 30% of the population is still at risk for periodontal disease.

Brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly just became much more important!  

Know that facts and work with us to keep your mouth healthy and lower your risk of a serious disease. 


It's imperative that you take a few minutes to read more about this!  
http://howelldentistoffice.com/familydentist/howell/disease-prevention

Call us to schedule your 6 month check up today! 517-546-8983