Most people brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush incorrectly but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems. They may pride themselves on their diligence, but frequency does not make up for an incorrect technique. One of the most common errors—especially for …
For years, the dental industry has been advocating implants as the preferable tooth restoration option in most circumstances. But many dental insurance companies don’t cover dental implants. The dental insurance industry seems to be stuck in 1970. For example, many insurers will cover dental bridges. Clearly, dental insurers rarely make coverage decisions based on what …
Imagine you are starting a new job and are going to speak with your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you …
Having a bright, healthy smile can be a major confidence booster. Professional teeth cleaning at Kenneth Hovden DDS is one of the most effective ways to achieve a healthy smile. Not only does it help to remove surface stains and discoloration, but it also helps to promote overall oral health. Professional teeth cleaning at Kenneth …
Do you have unexplained pain or clicking sounds in your jaw? They can be the result of a serious jaw condition. Some ailments with the jaw and the muscles that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But it’s also also called TMJ, because that’s the acronym for the name of the joint. Technically, …
As if you needed another reason to keep your gums in top condition. Scientists have found a connection between a bacteria that causes periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and Alzheimer’s Disease. Porphyomonas gingivalis is a bacteria that contributes to chronic periodontitis. The bacteria was discovered in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The research study, “Porphyromonas gingivalis …
Though most California residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Kenneth Hovden DDS, we see patients with gum disease every day. Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until Dr. Kenneth Hovden diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees of treatment depending on the …
A recent CDC report provides the following data related to prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.: 47.2% of people aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of men and women 65 years and older have periodontal disease. This condition is more common in men than …
In today’s post, we share a personal story from a patient: For many years, I didn’t have ‘go to the dentist’ at the top of my to-do list. But all that has changed. I now consider visits a crucial part of my personal health plan. Here’s why… Teeth won’t stay healthy without regular dental visits. …
Our bodies work differently. Some dental patients don’t react to local anesthetics by getting numb. This is understandably concerning when you need dental treatment. (And the word “concerning” may be a huge understatement!) It’s important to understand that bad experiences in the past don’t guarantee that you will never be able to become numb. At …
