Dr. Joshua Howard, DMD

Dr. Joshua Howard, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Bradenton, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (941) 405-1500 to schedule.

Dr. Joshua D. Howard, D.M.D., a Dentist - Family and Cosmetic Dentist, and Dentist - General, with experience in Dover, NH, earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Following his medical school training, he undertook residency training in Preventive Dentistry Services at Temple University, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and has been recognized as a Top Dentist by New Hampshire Magazine. Dr. Joshua DMD practices with a high-tech approach to dental care for the entire family, combined with a gentle touch! He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Joshua DMD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Joshua DMD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Joshua DMD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Dental Trauma: Proper management of dental trauma, including prompt professional care, minimizes the chance of tooth loss, jaw fractures, or other severe consequences.
• Tooth Decay: Preventing tooth decay is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being, as untreated decay can lead to infections and other health problems.
• Bad Taste in Mouth: A bad taste in your mouth can signal a need for improved oral hygiene practices, preventing future cavities and gum disease.
• Loose Teeth: Don't ignore loose teeth – they indicate a problem that, if left untreated, can lead to infections, further tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.
• Mouth Conditions: Managing mouth conditions effectively helps protect your teeth, gums, and overall well-being, enhancing your quality of life.
• Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess indicates a serious infection needing immediate dental attention; proactive preventive dental care minimizes the risk of reaching this stage.
• Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: Experiencing clicking in your jaw? This could indicate TMJ issues; seeking professional evaluation helps prevent long-term jaw pain and dysfunction.
• Toothache: A toothache can be a warning sign of a cavity or infection, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Tooth Loss: Preventing tooth loss starts with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene to catch problems early and avoid major issues down the line.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, easily treatable with good oral hygiene, preventing it from progressing to more serious problems.
• Tooth Damage: Protecting your teeth from damage through preventive measures like wearing a mouthguard during sports or avoiding hard candies helps maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
• Receding Gums: Receding gums indicate a need for professional dental care to help prevent serious gum disease and the potential for costly treatments.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Joshua DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Mouthguards: Safeguard your teeth from the damage caused by nighttime grinding or clenching with a custom-fitted mouthguard.
• Restoration of Dental Implants: Maintaining the health of your dental implants through timely restoration helps preserve your smile, improve chewing function, and promotes overall oral health.
• Digital X-Ray (CDR): A digital X-ray allows your dentist to see inside your teeth and gums to detect cavities, infections, or bone loss early, preventing more serious problems down the line.
• Composite Fillings: Protect your teeth from the further spread of decay by proactively addressing cavities with composite fillings – a safe and effective restorative option.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Invest in your smile's future! Dental hygiene services provide essential cleanings and screenings to help detect and stop the progression of gum disease and cavities.
• Teeth Scaling: Protecting your gum health starts with scaling, a procedure that screens for early signs of gum disease and keeps your smile healthy.
• Dental Bridge: For a long-term solution to a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, a dental bridge can restore your smile and support your overall oral health.
• Dental Brace: Correcting your bite with braces is an investment in your long-term oral and overall health; it prevents future dental problems and contributes to a healthier smile.
• Dental Examination: Take charge of your oral health with a dental examination; it's a vital screening that identifies potential problems like cavities and gum disease before they become painful or costly to treat.
• Denture Repair: Regular denture repair is a proactive step to preserve the health of your gums and jawbone, promoting overall oral health.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: Taking the proactive step of a simple tooth extraction can prevent further complications like gum disease or jawbone damage caused by a severely decayed or infected tooth.
• Nightguard: Take proactive steps towards better oral health with a nightguard; it helps prevent teeth grinding, which can lead to worn enamel, jaw pain, and headaches.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Joshua DMD is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By following a proactive preventive dentistry plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of dental trauma, gaining peace of mind about their oral health. This proactive approach ensured prompt treatment for any potential issues, minimizing the chance of future complications.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of tooth decay, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles and overall well-being.
• Recognizing a persistent bad taste in their mouth prompted a patient to seek professional guidance, leading to improved oral hygiene habits and a significant reduction in the risk of future dental problems. This proactive approach ensured a healthier mouth and greater peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Joshua DMD:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, a visit to Dr. Joshua DMD every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. This helps remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has been linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining good overall body health.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are "caps" that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Joshua DMD can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Joshua DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and preventing larger problems.

What is a root canal and why is it needed?

A root canal is a procedure to save a badly infected or damaged tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. This treatment relieves pain and prevents the need for tooth extraction. It's not a painful procedure, but rather a way to keep your smile healthy.

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 weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Joshua DMD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.