Stephen R. Ho DDS

Another remedy when you have canker sores is salt water. Salt water can keep them from swelling. The great thing about it is you can do the rinse as often as you need. Canker sores usually heal within a week or two. If you find that it's healing longer than it should, call us at 808-949-4288 to have it checked!

Did you know that your toothpaste has a shelf life and can expire? The expiration date notifies you of when the ingredients become less effective for a proper clean. The question you’re likely thinking now is whether it’s okay to use expired toothpaste? The short answer is yes. Expired toothpaste won’t harm you, but it does lessen its ability to prevent cavities and tooth decay. For more dental care tips, contact us at 808-949-4288.

Can You Use Expired Toothpaste? Concerned with whether or not toothpaste expires and if expired toothpaste is safe to use? Learn more at Crest.com/en-us.

Despite different flavored toothpastes being available for over 100 years, mint still reigns as the most popular. With its cooling effect, it signals your brain that your mouth feels cleaner and refreshed, but is it more beneficial to your oral health than other flavors? Regardless of the flavor you choose, maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing twice a day. Keep your bi-annual appointments with us to build strong and healthy teeth for life! Call us at 808-949-4288.

Mint vs. Non-mint Toothpastes Flavored toothpastes have been around for over a century. But mint has always been the most popular. It cools your mouth and sends a signal to your brain that your mouth feels cleaner. But your toothpaste doesn’t need to be mint flavored to be effective. There are a lot of non-mint options that wo...

Black hairy tongue is a condition that makes the tongue appearance dark and furry. It is caused by poor hygiene and dead cells building up on the tiny bumps on the tongue’s surface. These bumps, known as papillae, can become longer than usual and trap food, drinks, to***co, bacteria, and yeast, which can in turn stain the tongue. Although it looks alarming, a black hairy tongue is usually painless and doesn’t have any adverse health effects with it usually going away on its own through proper mouth and tongue cleaning. For a thorough clean and oral care regimen developed for your specific condition, contact us at 808-949-4288.

For both adults and children, fluoridated water can support in protecting your smile against cavities and tooth decay by 30%. The path to complete overall good health starts with what you consume. Life looks and feels better with a healthy smile. Let us help you make that happen by scheduling an appointment today. Contact us at 808-949-4288.

If you find yourself accidentally biting your lips often, it's time to see us. Dental issues are the most common cause of accidental lip biting. Call us at 808-949-4288 to schedule your appointment!

Stress is linked to several health problems including headaches, depression, sleep issues, heart issues, and even oral health conditions. Fortunately for us, stress can be managed through many of these easy self-care activities. Reducing your stress has several benefits that can leave a lasting impression of your quality of life and overall well-being for years to come. Don’t forget to schedule your bi-annual appointment with us! Call us at 808-949-4288.

Stress less and smile more Have you ever wondered if stress has an effect on your teeth or gums? Here’s how stress and your mouth are connected, along with some practical stressbusters that will help keep you smiling.

Did you know that va**ng causes teeth to decay in a way similar to sticky sugars? Va**ng is known to cause gum inflammation, cavities, a dry mouth, and a foul odor. It's also linked to oral cancer and lung and heart diseases. If you v**e, make sure to let us know so we will be more aware of why you're suffering from specific dental issues. Book an appointment with us by calling 808-949-4288!

What is carrageenan? It’s a natural nontoxic ingredient derived from seaweed and mostly used as a thickening agent in toothpaste, but really has no nutritional value. However, it is commonly found in dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt, creamers, and even soups or broths. It’s beneficial to learn about the ingredients used in the food and products we use in our bodies to promote overall health and well-being. For more oral health facts, contact us at 808-949-4288.

Carrageenan in Toothpaste: What You Need to Know Understand what is carrageenan and why is it in toothpaste? Learn more about the properties of carrageenan and if it’s safe to use at Crest.com/en-us.

Haven’t been to our office in a while? No worries, our office is a judgment-free zone! We understand that sometimes we just fall behind on appointments, and that's okay. Get back on track by scheduling an appointment with us at 808-949-4288.

It’s never too late to start making a change to your dental routine to develop healthier habits! These 5 habits are ones to surely rid yourself of this year to leave a lasting radiant smile.

5 Dental Habits to Kick to the Curb This Year | Dental Signal As the calendar flips to a new year, it's time to reflect on habits that may be silently wreaking havoc on your dental health. A radiant smile isn't just about brushing and flossing; it's also about ditching those less-than-stellar habits that can leave a lasting impact. Let's dive into five dental....

Waking up with a dry mouth can stem from factors like mouth breathing, dehydration, or underlying health issues. If you suffer from this, you may want to read this article for some tips. Contact us at 808-949-4288 to discuss treatment options that address dry mouth symptoms and promote a healthier, more comfortable mouth. https://bit.ly/4aA9MRC

Keeping zinc supplements in your medicine cabinet could be helpful when you get canker sores. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies usually cause them. Canker sores usually heal within a week or two. If you find that it's healing longer than it should, call us at 808-949-4288 to have it checked!

Did you know that you could overproduce saliva? Ptyalism, as the condition is known, is commonly seen in pregnant women. Saliva is beneficial to our oral health as it contains enzymes, calcium, and antibacterial agents that help us fight off tooth decay and gum disease. While we don’t know the exact cause of it, it's suspected to be due to hormonal changes. The good news is that although it may be irritating, it isn’t harmful! Don’t forget to let us know if you’re pregnant at your appointment with us. Call us at 808-949-4288 to inform us of any changes in your health.

What is Ptyalism: Causes and Treatments Saliva is vital to our oral health, but what happens when we have too much of it? Learn more about Ptyalism, when it occurs, and how to treat it.

Did you know? The pH level in your mouth drops when you consume sugar-containing foods or beverages. When that happens, it can break down the enamel of your teeth. Schedule an appointment with us at 808-949-4288!

Chronic lip-biting is a frequent anxiety sign. If this becomes a habit, you may get swollen lips and blisters. It's time to be aware of this tendency and call us at 808-949-4288 to schedule an oral health check!

Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Cleaning your tongue will assist in preventing the spread of bacteria and will keep your mouth fresh. Give your tongue the attention it deserves! If you're looking to brighten and enhance your smile, don't hesitate to call us today at 808-949-4288!

Your mouth is home to millions of different bacteria and while brushing and flossing your teeth is a great way to keep your mouth clean, it doesn’t remove the bacteria from your tongue. This bacterium produces sulfur compounds that lead to bad breath and other health issues. Use a tongue scraper or a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your tongue. After cleaning, be sure to rinse with mouthwash and thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water. You’ll know your tongue is fresh and clean when all the discolored debris disappears and you’re left with a clean pink tongue! Contact us at 808-949-4288 to schedule your bi-annual appointment!

Do you know what the person you’re kissing has eaten recently? If you have peanut allergies, it’s worth finding out! Peanut allergens linger in saliva anywhere from one to four hours after a meal. Interesting right? Protect yourself against harmful allergens by following instructions from your doctor and maintaining your proper oral care routine. Give us a call at 808-949-4288 for any questions you may have.

Peanut allergies and kissing: brushing not best defense Learn more about peanut allergies and kissing with Delta Dental. We educate, connect and smile to promote oral wellness for all.

Eating too many acidic foods can be damaging to your tooth enamel and weaken your gums, exposing an inner layer of your teeth causing sensitivity. Sensitivity is a common problem resulting from nerve irritation. Foods that are highly acidic can trigger sharp sensitivity pains when you eat or drink. Not sure what might be causing you problems? Here are a few examples. Contact us at 808-949-4288 for more information on how to care for your teeth.

Fun Fact! The alignment between our neck, face, and oral muscles can modify our spinal curvature and dictate whether we have an appropriately straight posture or a hunched one. So, a link between teeth, occlusion, and posture can't be ignored. https://bit.ly/49yBvkm

Contact us today at 808-949-4288!

It would be amazing if teeth could heal on their own. Unfortunately once a tooth is damaged, tooth enamel doesn’t have a way to receive fresh nutrients and oxygen so it can’t repair itself. The best thing to do is consult with a professional like us. We'd be happy to help you out! Call us at 808-949-4288.

Tartar is the hardened buildup of plaque on your teeth that can be difficult to remove without our help! It threatens the integrity of your tooth by increasing your risk for gum disease and tooth decay as well as making it more susceptible to staining. Prevent tartar from forming by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day and visit us every six months. Haven’t scheduled your cleaning with us? Call us at 808-949-4288 today!

What are the Best Toothpastes to Help Prevent Tartar? What is Tartar? Spotting the Early Signs of Tartar Preventing Tartar from Building Up What to Look for in Toothpastes that Help Remove Tartar Best Toothpaste Options for Tartar Prevention Once tartar has formed on your teeth, it’s very difficult to remove, and it most likely will require a visit t...

We kindly request that you please notify us of any recent changes to your dental insurance coverage. Doing so will contribute to a more streamlined and efficient process during each of your visits. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at 808-949-4288. Thank you for your cooperation!

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes along with flossing every day.

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Tongue bites, especially at night, can be frustrating and often result in pain and discomfort. Although minor bites may heal on their own, seeking professional assistance becomes necessary for severe or non-healing injuries. Here are some tips and tricks to combat pesky tongue bites.

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Acidic and citrus foods can cause inflammation and can make your canker sores more painful. If you have them, bland foods such as spinach and yogurt are a better choice. Canker sores usually heal within a week or two. If you find that it's taking longer to heal than it should, call us at 808-949-4288 to have it checked!

Keto breath is a common side effect of eating a high-fat, low-carb diet. If you or someone you know is on the "Keto" diet, this might be a helpful article to read!

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This study shows how adding a mouth rinse to your daily dental routine can help reduce cavities, fight bleeding, and gingivitis. Don't forget to schedule you appointment with us by calling 808-949-4288! https://bit.ly/3Jly85A

Self-care is the guide to a healthy life. Here are a few tips that will help you stay ahead of the game on hygiene:

Schedule routine visits
Clean your aligners
Get a specialized tooth brush
Watch what you eat
Brush regularly

Your smile says it all - keep your pearly whites fresh and healthy by calling us at 808-949-4288 to schedule an appointment.