From the Desk of
Nelson Y., Howard, D.D.S., A.A.A.C.D.

Most people associate checkups at the dentist with a cleaning and cavity check. But these visits also include incredibly important oral cancer screenings that you don’t get anywhere else. Sadly, oral cancer is on the rise and healthcare providers have been alarmed to see more and more cases, even in younger people who have never smoked. But the good news is that, with early detection, the survival rate is 85%-90%. Learn more about oral cancer below and how you can reduce your risk. You’ll also find out fast and easy screenings are so you know what to expect! 

During the cold and flu season, you try your best to avoid getting sick, but if you find yourself “under the weather,” there are some remedies available to help you recover. However, for many of them, there is a downside. They can have adverse effects on your oral health. As you continue reading, we’ll discuss some commonly used products and their potential side effects. Additionally, you’ll learn some flu season tips to protect your teeth and gums, and how preventive care from your dentist can help out.

Each year, a different member of your family hosts your holiday dinner, which is why you’ll be travelling out of state this season. While it’s always nice seeing your loved ones, it can be a hassle getting everything organized to leave your home, filling you with stress and anxiety. It can be hard taking care of your basic needs like your dental hygiene when you’re in an unfamiliar environment with so much going on. To make it easier caring for your mouth this holiday season, read on for four oral health travel tips from your dentist.

If you’re missing a front tooth, you probably want to get it replaced as soon as possible, even if it’s just for purely cosmetic reasons. Missing back teeth, or molars, are often not given as high a priority because they’re not visible in your smile. However, there are multiple reasons why you should replace missing back teeth with dental implants. Let’s look at what happens if you don’t.

You brush your teeth every morning and every night, you floss before bed, and you even top it all off by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. Yet every time you visit your dentist, they seem to find cavities. You do everything you’re supposed to, so what gives? As it turns out, some people are simply more susceptible to getting tooth decay than others. Why is that? Let’s examine 4 reasons why.

As a parent, there’s nothing that makes you happier than seeing your little one excited about trick-or-treating. The only bad part about the holidays is that you know your child will be eating more candy than normal, and you’re worried how that will impact their teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42 percent of children between the ages two and 11 have had cavities in their primary teeth. To keep your little one from becoming a part of this statistic, follow these Halloween candy tips from a dentist.

Keeping your teeth healthy is a lifelong commitment. Over the years, it’s important to reevaluate your oral hygiene routine and make necessary adjustments as your mouth changes. Even if your teeth look healthy and nice, it’s important to continue making an effort caring for them and preventing problems from developing. Even though it may seem tedious at times, the right precautionary measures can keep you from dealing with costly and time-consuming visits to your dentist. Read on to learn about eight habits that will keep your mouth as healthy as ever.

You wake up one morning and look in the mirror only to notice that your teeth appear to be a bit longer than before. You tell yourself it’s just your eyes playing tricks on you, but when you go for your regular dental checkup, your dentist tells you that you have a receding gum line. If this doesn’t make sense and you’re wondering how this could have happened, read on to learn more about this common problem and what you can do about it.

As the temperatures cool down outside, it’s likely you’re preparing by pulling out the blankets, slipping on your comfy house shoes, stoking a fire, and warming your taste buds with a deliciously warm beverage. While your favorite coffee may taste good going down, it and other hot drinks can be damaging to your oral health. Find out how and what you can do to prevent your teeth from the negative effects of these tasty warm-weather concoctions.  

Very few things can ruin your day faster than a toothache. A sudden pain shooting through your mouth can make you unable to focus on anything else until the problem is solved. Besides making the discomfort go away, the next thing on your mind is usually “why is this happening?” A dentist is here to talk about the top 10 reasons why you have a toothache.