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

Lots of times, cosmetic dental patients come to dentists because they have a sense that they don’t really like their smile, but they struggle to put into words exactly why that is. They may be even more surprised when it turns out that there’s a cosmetic treatment designed specifically to address their issue!

If you’ve ever thought that you may have a “gummy” smile, or that your teeth feel straight but don’t quite look like it, you may potentially benefit from gum recontouring. Here’s more information about this procedure, and whether it could be helpful to you.

Your smile is one of the first things that people will notice about you—so you should put effort into ensuring that your pearly whites always look their best. However, if your smile has become noticeably stained, you might be wondering what has caused the issue and how you should go about handling it. Here’s more from your cosmetic dentist so you can get your smile back to looking its absolute best!

Your smile is one of your most important features; it’s a source of your pride and joy and often the first thing that people notice about you! And when it comes to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile, there’s one secret that’s often overlooked and severely underrated: proper hydration by drinking plenty of water. Here’s more from your dentist about why water is considered the absolute best drink for your smile.

If you’re dealing with discomfort, you might feel the pain on two levels. You not only feel the sting of an oral health problem, but also of needing to go to the dentist’s office. Of course, the dentist is rarely as bad as you’d imagine them to be, but it’s also understandable to not want to make the trip unnecessarily.

If you’re dealing with swollen gums, you may wonder if it’s worth talking to your dentist about it. If you don’t whether what you’re dealing with warrants professional attention, here’s a guide that might give you some helpful information.  

Dentists recommend that you visit for a checkup or cleaning twice a year. This allows them to detect any oral health problems before they become serious, and to clean in areas that you can’t reach with brushing alone.

If you’re going to your first dental checkup in a while, you might not know what to do or where to start. Here are some things to keep in mind at your next dental checkup.

It’s estimated that around 50% of adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of gum disease. It’s remarkably common, but for some reason, many people don’t quite know how to manage it.

There are treatments like scaling and root planing that a professional can use to address gum disease, but there are also things that you can do in your own life to make your symptoms less severe. Even a change of diet can help you address some common symptoms. Here are a few foods to try if you’re dealing with gum disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. The most common conditions are depression and anxiety. While these struggles are often associated with your psychological and emotional well-being, they can also unfortunately affect your oral health. The good news is that being aware of how what issues you’re at a higher risk of can help you take measures to prevent them. Read on to learn how your mental and dental health are connected and how speaking with your dentist can help.

A great smile is worth any cost, but getting cosmetic dental work done is a big life decision. You want to make sure that you’re getting the best care possible. However, not every “cosmetic dentist” is what they appear. As it turns out, any dentist can label themselves a cosmetic dentist since it’s not technically a specialized field. To be an educated consumer, it’s still important to be aware of what to look for when trusting someone with your smile. Keep reading for some important information that will help!

Millions of Americans are suffering from the same oral health issue, and yet it’s rarely talked about. Whether it’s while sleeping or when stressed, an astounding number of people engage in bruxism, grinding their teeth. Most people think it’s harmless, but there are serious complications associated with it that you need to take steps to prevent. While not the most pressing medical concern, there are also several ways in which chronic bruxism can make you look much older. Here are a few examples, along with what you can do about it.

Compared to past years, depression is a very common mental health issue. Recent studies even suggest that nearly 10% of Americans have it. While most emphasize its effect on mood, though, depression can also hurt your oral health. After all, one can overlook oral hygiene in the wake of a crisis. Luckily, your dental practice can help even if you have this illness. Here’s a summary of major depression and oral health from a San Marcos Dentist, including some dental tips.