Getting a dental checkup every six months plays a key role in keeping your smile beautiful and intact. However, these regular visits are about so much more than keeping your pearly whites clean! They also give your dentist a chance to discover early warning signs of larger systemic health issues. Here are seven non-dental issues that your Sand Diego dentist might identify during your routine visit.

Have you ever spat out a little bit of blood into the sink when brushing or flossing? While some people might think this is normal, it’s actually a serious sign of gum disease. While gum disease is bad enough in and of itself, did you know that it can actually lead to other health consequences? Namely, heart disease. Keep reading as we examine the link between gum disease and an increased risk of a heart attack.

You’re relaxing at the end of a long week of work, enjoying some popcorn and a movie with your significant other. Everything is going great until crunch! You accidentally bite down on an un-popped kernel. Pain shoots through your mouth and you spit out pieces of your tooth into your hand! What should you do? Here are some tips from a dentist on how to handle common dental emergencies.

Maybe your New Year’s resolution was to be a more confident person. Eating right and going to the gym a few times a week has certainly helped, but you still feel like something is missing. After a few looks in the mirror, you realize it’s your smile that leaves something to be desired. Your teeth have unsightly chips and stains. Fortunately, this can all be remedied by visiting your cosmetic dentist. Keep reading to learn three reasons that cosmetic dentistry can boost your self-confidence.

If you’ve been on social media at any point within the past few years, chances are you’ve come across posts and ads with people claiming to have whitened their teeth with activated charcoal. It seems a bit counterintuitive, though. How can applying a black paste to your teeth make them whiter? A cosmetic dentist is here to talk about how activated charcoal whitening works, if it’s safe, and why you should probably invest in professional teeth whitening instead.

Have you ever felt like “just another number” at the dentist before? Unfortunately, that’s not an uncommon experience. Many people feel like they just don’t get the time, attention and care they’re after, which can have a big impact on their oral health. If you’re looking for a new dentist and want quality care from the start, learn more below about the outstanding dentistry you’ll get from Dr. Nelson Howard. You’ll also find out what you can expect from your first dental visit with us and how you’ll receive highly-skilled, compassionate care at every appointment!

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.