The importance of oral health for children

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According to Dr. Kami Hoss, founder and CEO of The Super Dentists, it is important for children to maintain good oral health because it can affect their overall wellness. Poor oral health can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even heart disease.

Tooth decay, as Dr. Kami Hoss mentioned before, is the most common dental problem in children. It is caused by bacteria that produce acids that eat away at the teeth and can lead to cavities, requiring treatment such as fillings or root canals.

Gum disease is another common problem in children. It is caused by bacteria that form plaque on the teeth. Plaque that remains in children's teeth can cause gums to become inflamed and infected. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

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Heart disease is a serious health problem caused by poor oral health. Bacteria that live in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. The inflammation can lead to many problems, including heart disease and other health issues.

Dr. Kami Hoss also stresses the importance of children seeing their dentist regularly to identify and treat any dental problems. Children should have their first dental visit by the time they are a year old. Regular dental checkups can help ensure that children maintain good oral health and stay healthy overall.

Dr.Kami Hoss has written several blogs on oral health. Readers can check them out on this page.

All you need to know about bruxism in children

 

Bruxism or teeth grinding is mostly experienced by adults. But this sleeping-related movement disorder is relatively common in children, too. Generally happening when a person is under stress or in a deep sleep, bruxism can become a severe dental concern when left untreated.

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Some kids may grind their teeth if these hurt, while others do so due to stress or anxiety. Misaligned teeth can cause dental concern, but it’s more likely that a child feels anxious about something. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause dull headaches, pain around the ear, and tension pains that start near the temples, explains Kami Hoss, DDS, MS. In other cases, kids may feel pain when chewing or when eating cold and sugary treats.

When teeth grinding is excessive, it causes wear and tear on the enamel, sometimes almost exposing the deeper layers of the teeth, increasing their sensitivity. It’s possible for kids not to outgrow the sleep disorder. Kids whose teeth grinding don’t stop may suffer from chipped or fractured teeth, while others may develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes increased pain in the jaw. Kids with TMD may find it harder to chew or open their mouth fully.

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If parents or guardians suspect their child has bruxism, it would be best to schedule a dental checkup, notes Kami Hoss, DDS, MS. A proper diagnosis will include the appropriate treatment for bruxism and its symptoms. Some kids and adults with bruxism may benefit more from stress and anxiety relief and management.

Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, holds a master’s in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He also co-founded The Super Dentists with his business partner and wife, Dr. Nazli Keri. For more updates, head over to this blog.

Six tips to make a child’s first appointment to the dentist a success

 

Part of teaching kids about proper oral care is bringing them to the dentist. Usually easier said than done, a child’s first dental appointment introduces them to their dentist, the dental office staff, and few tools used for cleaning. Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, shares six tips to the first appointment a great one. 

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Give them an early start in dental care. Familiarizing children with dental hygiene as soon as the first tooth erupts is the recommended practice for parents. Adults are encouraged to make it a nightly routine for their child to brush their teeth on their own while parents regularly check to see if brushing is done correctly. Read literature about dentistry to effectively introduce the topic to the child before their first appointment with the dentist.

Make the experience positive even before it takes place. A parent’s voice, body language, expressions, and words toward going to the dentist imply to the child’s initial visit to the dental office. Toddlers need their comfort items; be sure to bring them. Offer a sense of comfort and security to alleviate possible fear and anxiety.

According to Dr. Kami Hoss, parents must avoid mentioning fear until their kid does. Hearing negative experiences about dental visits might trigger fear in children. Be present during their first visit to the dentist. Kids need to develop confidence, trust, and independence all at once during the initial assessment. Having their parent by their side can make things a lot easier.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of business and dentistry. For more information on Dr. Kami Hoss, head over to this page.