Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Sep 3, 2023 | Health, Sept - Oct 2023
As we age, our bodies can start to lose bone due to lifestyle choices, genetics and preexisting conditions. Your teeth are rooted within some of the most important bones used every day — the alveolar bones of your jaw. If there are signs of bone density loss through symptoms such as tooth loss, gum disease, bone loss in the jaw or loose dentures, your dentist may suggest you see your doctor.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jul 14, 2023 | Health, July - August 2023
The connection between oral and total body health is well-known. For example, poor oral health increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. Likewise, your dentist can identify conditions like diabetes, oral cancer, osteoporosis, anemia, HIV, eating disorders and more during your dental visits. So, what about the relationship between oral health and mental health?
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | May 10, 2023 | Health, May - June 2023
Hydration is essential to staying fit and healthy, especially during warm summer months. As you venture outdoors to cool off, keep your flask filled with water. It’s the best beverage for your teeth and body. Water has many benefits; there’s no sugar or acids that can affect your oral and overall health.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Mar 6, 2023 | Health, Mar - Apr 2023
If you’ve noticed your teeth are getting longer and your gums are getting shorter, perhaps it’s time to see a dentist. Gum recession can affect anyone, even those who brush twice a day and floss daily. Although it can’t be reversed, there are some things you can do to stop them from receding.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Nov 4, 2022 | Health, Nov - Dec 2022
In Hawai‘i, everyone loves to spoil their loved ones with sweet treats during the holidays. It’s okay to indulge in a treat or two, but don’t forget the toll it takes on your teeth and gums. Here are some oral health tips when eating common holiday sweets.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Sep 1, 2022 | Health, Sept - Oct 2022
If you’re watching your sugar intake, but need to satisfy a sweet tooth, using a sugar substitute can be less harmful to your teeth and body. Here’s a breakdown of substitutes and how they can affect your oral and overall health.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jun 25, 2022 | Health, July - August 2022
Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day. You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | May 4, 2022 | Health, May - June 2022
Poor oral health can affect overall physical health at any age. Without treatment, poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, malnutrition and even serious illnesses. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate good oral health habits into all stages of life.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Feb 27, 2022 | Health, March-April 2022
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and it’s the time of year to remind seniors and loved ones to visit the dentist. Did you know a routine visit to the dentist also includes a screening for oral cancer? While they look for signs of decay (cavities) and gum disease, they’re looking for typical warning signs of cancer in the mouth.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jan 1, 2022 | Health, January - February 2022
Hawai‘i’s sandwich generation is confronted with both unique challenges and great opportunities as baby boomers care for their elderly parents, while also supporting their adult children and grandchildren. Multi-generational homes are very common in Hawai‘i.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Sep 30, 2021 | Health, October-November 2021
Your oral health directly impacts your overall health, which is why seeing a dentist is just as important as seeing your primary care physician. Your dentist can determine if you will come across issues such as gum disease, which may impact your quality of life and even raise your risk for systemic disease in your later years.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jul 28, 2021 | August - September 2021, Health
Arthritis can be a painful condition that comes with aging. Those who have rheumatoid arthritis may have an even harder time staying on top of their oral hygiene routine due to inflammation in the joints and knuckles. Simple movements such as holding a toothbrush and floss may make it difficult to clean teeth and gums in various areas of the mouth.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jun 8, 2021 | Health, June-July 2021
Does your mouth often feel dry and uncomfortable? Does it make eating, speaking or swallowing difficult? Dry mouth can cause oral health issues that can affect your smile and overall quality of life.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Health
Chronic bad breath can be embarrassing, but it can also tell you what’s going on with your mouth or body, such as underlying medical conditions, stress, hormonal changes, dry mouth and poor oral hygiene. Bad breath can be caused by a few things: bacteria, decaying food, infected gums, smoking and even an empty stomach.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jan 31, 2021 | February - March 2021, Health
Grandparents play an important role in raising children, especially in Hawai‘i, with changing family patterns and dual-worker households. And while it’s acceptable for grandparents to treat their grandchildren to sweets, they are also expected to show them the importance of good oral health and a healthy diet.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
Most caregivers know good oral health is important at every age and is a clear indication of their patient’s overall health. Some things caregivers should look for are signs of change in the patient’s mouth. Has there been recent tooth loss, discoloration or dryness? Often, seniors may experience those conditions, which affects how they digest their food or indicates other health problems.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
It’s no secret that poor oral health can lead to many overall health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. But studies show poor oral health may also lead to an increased risk of dementia. People who have gum disease for 10 years or more are 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who have healthy gums.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Jun 3, 2020 | Health, June-July 2020
Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) is sharing oral health tips seniors can practice every day to help limit the spread of harmful viruses.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
A healthy smile should last well into your retirement years. Many believe it’s natural for teeth to deteriorate as they age, but it’s possible to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Consider these tips to keep your smile healthy…