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

Bruxism, a condition marked by nighttime teeth grinding and clenching, may not appear significant at first glance, but it carries significant implications. Grinding your teeth during the night can give rise to a host of severe oral health concerns, and it can also contribute to an aged appearance. The good news is that bruxism is manageable with professional intervention. Continue reading to learn how teeth grinding plays a role in the aging process and preventive measures to help you preserve your youthful appearance.

It’s not uncommon for patients to skip regular visits to the dentist. In fact, many go months or years between visits due to a number of factors including anxiety, schedule conflicts, and lack of funds.

It could be that you just haven’t found the time to go, or that you’re dreading the talking-to your dentist might give you when you step back through the door. Whatever the reason for your apprehension in getting back to the dentist, here’s what you can expect when you finally do take the plunge and schedule a dental checkup.

Have you been putting off your next dental cleaning because you’re worried it might be painful? You’re not alone. It’s hard to willingly put yourself in a position where you might be subject to discomfort of any kind. Thinking about having to sit still in a chair while someone pokes and prods the inside of your mouth might send chills down your spine. Fortunately, your dentist is very experienced in treating patients with all levels of dental anxiety, and they value your comfort. If you want to know the truth about teeth cleanings and if they hurt, read on.

As you go through your morning dental hygiene routine, you suddenly notice an unfamiliar bump on your gums. Since you don’t recall it being there before, curiosity sets in, and you start wondering about the possible cause. Fear not, as there are several factors that can contribute to the development of a bump on your gums. To shed light on this matter, let’s delve into four potential causes and explore what your dentist can do to address the issue.

When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, you likely remember to brush your teeth regularly, diligently using a toothbrush to clean your pearly whites twice a day. However, it’s essential to be aware that your toothbrush needs replacement after a while. Neglecting to do so can result in poor cleaning, leading to plaque and bacteria build-up. But how can you know when it’s time to get a new one? Read on to discover when and why to replace your toothbrush, along with some helpful tips on caring for it.

Gum recontouring offers a wonderful solution for individuals seeking to address a “gummy” smile. Unfortunately, many who could benefit from this treatment opt out due to misconceptions about the procedure and its benefits. It’s time to dispel five common myths and misconceptions surrounding gum recontouring that may be holding individuals back from exploring this valuable treatment option. So, keep reading as we set the record straight by disproving 5 myths about gum recontouring.

When it comes to making positive first impressions, there is no bigger asset at your disposal than your smile! Your pearly whites, while useful for eating and speaking, serve a very important role in your outward appearance and how people view and approach you. That said, your smile isn’t the only ace up your sleeve for making yourself appear more amicable; here are a few other things that your trustworthy dentist wants you to consider!

Summer is the perfect time to showcase a radiant smile that exudes confidence and charm. If you’re eager to enhance your smile’s aesthetics, there are various cosmetic dental treatments available to help you achieve your desired look. From teeth whitening to veneers, these treatments can address common dental concerns and provide remarkable transformations. Keep reading to learn about three popular cosmetic dental treatments that can help you achieve a gorgeous grin just in time for summer.

If you’re a little on the older side, you may have found that your teeth have changed a little bit with time. You might have noticed that your teeth look a little more yellow, or that your gums are a little bit further back than they used to be. These changes are natural parts of aging.

However, with cosmetic dentistry, you can turn back the clock on your smile! There are quite a few ways that your dentist can give you a more youthful appearance—here are just a few.

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.