Dr. Joshua Howard, DMD is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Bradenton, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Howard understands that oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being, particularly for seniors. He is adept at managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and he collaborates effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall health outcomes. As a partner in senior health featured on infoaging.org, Dr. Howard brings a wealth of experience, having earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completing residency training in General Dentistry at Temple University, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of seniors. He is currently accepting new patients, and they are encouraged to call (941) 405-1500 to schedule an appointment. Previously practicing in Dover, NH, Dr. Howard is a Family and Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, and is recognized as a top dentist by New Hampshire Magazine. His practice philosophy emphasizes high-tech dental care for the entire family with a gentle touch. Dr. Joshua Howard provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Joshua Howard is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Howard is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive dental care. He understands the unique needs of aging adults, addressing not only immediate dental concerns but also the impact of oral health on overall well-being. His practice emphasizes proactive management of age-related dental issues, close collaboration with other healthcare providers, and a personalized approach to ensure optimal oral and systemic health for each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Joshua Howard can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental Premier
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Joshua Howard provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Tooth Decay: As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to decay, but with prompt treatment from your dentist, such as fillings or crowns, you can preserve your natural teeth and continue to eat and smile with confidence.
- Toothache: A toothache can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to enjoy meals and even sleep. Your dentist is the best resource for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause, helping you regain comfort and confidence.
- Dental Injury: Dental injuries, ranging from cracked teeth to jaw fractures, can be managed with various treatments by your dentist, such as crowns, fillings, or surgery, greatly improving your comfort and preventing complications.
- Tooth Discoloration: As we age, teeth can naturally darken; however, discoloration can also be a sign of other issues. Your dentist can help determine the cause and recommend the best treatment option for a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Swollen Gums: Notice your gums looking puffy? This could signal gum disease, but with prompt attention from your dentist, treatment like cleaning and medication can prevent more serious problems and maintain your ability to eat comfortably.
- Tooth Damage: Tooth damage, such as chips, cracks, or cavities, can be repaired by your dentist to prevent further problems and help you eat comfortably.
- Dental Trauma: Accidents happen, and a fall or bump can cause dental trauma. Thankfully, your dentist has the expertise to repair or replace damaged teeth, improving your smile and confidence.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissues and bones supporting your teeth, but with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, it can often be managed effectively.
- Tooth Abscess: If you have a throbbing toothache and swelling, it could be a tooth abscess, a condition that a dentist can address with treatments like antibiotics and potentially a root canal to save your tooth or an extraction if necessary.
- Tooth Loss: Losing teeth can impact your ability to eat nutritious foods and enjoy meals, but modern dentistry offers solutions such as implants and dentures to restore function and smile aesthetics.
- Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth, a common issue as we age, cause sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods, but your dentist can help manage this discomfort with treatments like fluoride applications or desensitizing toothpaste.
- Loose Teeth: Having loose teeth can be unsettling, but your dentist can diagnose the underlying issue and offer various treatments, such as splinting or replacement, to improve your oral health and well-being.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Joshua Howard offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Hygiene Services: Dental hygiene services are key to maintaining your dentures or other dental replacements, ensuring comfort and proper function for many years to come.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Your dentist uses a simple and painless exam during your routine visit to screen for oral cancer, an important step in early diagnosis and improved chances of successful treatment.
- Restoration of Dental Implants: Regular restoration appointments for dental implants help your dentist monitor the health of your jawbone and implants, catching potential problems early.
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: Regular dental visits and, if necessary, the use of amalgam fillings as a restorative treatment, can play a critical role in preventing more serious dental problems in the future.
- Root Canal: If you have a tooth with significant decay or injury, a root canal can be a key component of your comprehensive dental care plan to address pain and maintain oral health.
- Denture Repair: As part of your comprehensive dental care, denture repair ensures your dentures remain effective for eating and speaking.
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are a customized cosmetic treatment option that can enhance your smile by improving the shape, size, and color of your teeth, improving your self-esteem and complementing your overall oral health plan.
- Partial Dentures: For seniors experiencing tooth loss, partial dentures provide a comfortable and functional way to maintain proper chewing and speech, enhancing overall oral health.
- Simple Tooth Extractions: Removing severely damaged or decayed teeth through simple extractions helps avoid the spread of infection and improves oral hygiene and function.
- Teeth Scaling: Teeth scaling helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy.
- Root Planing: Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line, supporting your gums' health and preventing further gum disease.
- Dental Implant: To address missing teeth and enhance your quality of life, dental implants provide a secure, natural-looking replacement that improves your ability to eat and smile with confidence.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Joshua Howard is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With improved oral health, a senior couple regained the confidence to enjoy their favorite meals together, laughing and sharing stories without discomfort.
- A senior citizen, plagued by a persistent toothache, found significant relief after a thorough examination and treatment plan. They were soon able to enjoy their favorite foods and sleep soundly again, regaining their overall well-being.
- After years of discomfort from a chipped tooth, a senior woman regained her ability to enjoy crunchy vegetables and smiles with confidence, thanks to a restorative dental treatment.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- Top Dentist New Hampsire Magazine, 2010
- Top Dentist New Hampsire Magazine, 2011
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Joshua Howard:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is crucial for overall well-being. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental visits are essential for preventing these problems and promoting your overall health.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Howard can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection for a tooth that's more significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth. A bridge fills the space of missing teeth, while a partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Howard will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for any lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in seniors is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel, making teeth more vulnerable. Dr. Howard can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that may be contributing to the sensitivity.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease if left untreated. Dr. Howard can help create a gentle home care routine and perform a professional cleaning to reverse this.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth as well, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
4800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd
Bradenton FL 34211
Phone: (941) 405-1500
Dr. Joshua Howard, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1245377639
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Joshua Howard are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.