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.

Parent-tested ways to teach kids about oral health

 

Children learn about health and hygiene at home. Parents have a responsibility to teach their little ones how to brush their teeth properly and what they need to do to maintain their pearly whites. Dr. Kami Hoss, the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists, shares what moms and dads can do to teach their kids good oral habits.

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Show them the benefits

This step can be done with the help of the family's dentist during one of their visits or consultations. Dentists can boost parents' efforts to teach their child how to properly brush their teeth. Many dentists have visual aids or tools that can help children better understand the importance of developing good oral habits. Dr. Kami Hoss says going to the dentist regularly will encourage kids not to be afraid of check-ups.

Let them choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, and cup

The kids will be excited to brush their teeth every day if they have their own dental hygiene kit. Kids who are just learning to brush on their own might have seen their parents brush, gargle, and floss. Giving them their own things will make learning easier for them. If a child doesn't like the taste of toothpaste, parents can find other flavors to try.

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Make it musical

Put on some music to hype the little ones. Two- to three-minute tunes are perfect for training them to brush right. During this time, parents can create a choreography that will train the kids to brush in circles, reach the inner areas, clean the tongue, and rinse. Kids learn best when there's music and routine so this strategy will surely work with them.

The Super Dentists CEO Dr.Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He and his wife, Dr. Nazli Keri, established The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. For more information, visit this page.

What happens to the teeth as a person ages?

 

Like the rest of the body, your gums and teeth also age. This is why it's crucial to ensure oral health. Lifestyle habits, health conditions, and injuries contribute to the aging. In this blog, Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, discusses what happens to the teeth as a person grows older.

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It becomes more at risk for cavities

Bacteria in the mouth causes plaque that turns sugar and starch components from food into acid. Having too much of this can damage the tooth enamel. Without proper cleaning and check-up, this can lead to cavities. While many people think that children are more prone to cavities, it is actually also common among adults as their teeth are already permanent. As a person grows older, the gums recede and make them more at risk of developing cavities. Having a dry mouth can also lead to dirt and bacteria buildup that might contribute to damaging the teeth.

Gum problems might be causing the pain and inflammation

Aside from age, having a habit of brushing too hard can damage the gums through the years. On the other hand, periodontal disease can also quicken the damage caused by tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth. Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, also says that habits such as smoking and poor dental hygiene might worsen gum disease that might eventually lead to tooth decay.

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Discolored teeth

Through the years, a person's teeth may become discolored. Aside from smoking or drinking tea and coffee that might lead to stains, the teeth may start yellowing because of dentin that can start showing through the enamel, which might become more fragile with age. While there are many products out there that promise a whiter smile, it's important to consult with a dentist before trying these products, as they might make the teeth even more sensitive.

Dr. Kami Hoss is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He has also written articles published in numerous professional and community journals and publications. Visit this page for more on dental care.

Some tips and advice for nervous dental patients

It’s quite natural to have dental anxiety, especially among those afraid of injection or sharp tools or generally have low pain tolerance. The great news is the there is a variety of ways one can make the visit to the dentist both bearable and pleasant, says Dr. Kami Hoss of The Super Dentists.

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Many experts will tell you that removing one’s fear of dentists actually begins with finding the right dentist. Remember that there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you are fearful of dentists, and that you need to look for one who truly empathizes with your plight. Many people develop a phobia for dentists because of a traumatic memory of a dental visit, but there’s no reason why you cannot look for one who lets you feel that you have complete control of the procedure, allowing you to act naturally afraid or apprehensive without feeling ashamed.

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Behavioral scientists also recommend avoiding coffee or any caffeine-laced drink at least six hours before your dental appointment. This does a lot in making you less anxious about the visit. During the actual procedure, concentrate on breathing slowly and regularly, pausing between inhaling and exhaling. Be conscious of not holding your breath, as this will just decrease your oxygen levels and make you panic more.

Finally, one of the best ways to alleviate anxiety is to agree with your dentist on a specific signal or gesture that alerts him or her of when you want the procedure to pause. This adds to the feeling that you are in control while you’re in the dental chair, explains Dr. Kami Hoss.

Dr. Kami Hoss is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He has also written articles published in numerous professional and community journals and publications. Visit this blog for related posts on dental care.

The Difference Between a Dentist And An Orthodontist

Many people get confused as to makes a dentist different from an orthodontist. This bewilderment is understandable because both deal with the teeth and are both doctors. Receiving the right treatment from the right dental professional is vital to keep one’s teeth and mouth in perfect health.

Both dentists and orthodontists focus on oral care. Dentists and orthodontists have undergone five years of education to obtain a degree in dental surgery. However, orthodontists spend three more years to earn the title of master of orthodontics.

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The differences lie in the way the two professionals provide oral care and deal with teeth and gums. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that places emphasis on strengthening the teeth and ensuring a person’s jaws are appropriately aligned. Orthodontists can practice in a dental office and deliver the same care as a dentist. Patients may be referred to an orthodontist by their dentist if they have an overbite. Orthodontists will be the ones to treat patients and improve their bite, (such as misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, and underbite) having them fitted for corrective braces and devices.

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Dentists normally encourage good oral hygiene. They provide services that relate to tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, bridges, crowns, veneers, and teeth whitening. Dentists are the ones in charge of doing general six-month checkups, providing treatments for fillings and extractions, and cleaning and polishing. Braces and Invisalign may be fitted by general dentists. However, they are not experts in the field of orthodontics.

Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is a sough-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He is the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists. For similar updates, click here.

A Look At The Latest Trends In Dental Technology

Advancements in dental technology have led to modern solutions to traditional dental problems while ensuring the best, most effective, and most comfortable treatments. Let’s look at some trends either becoming more commonly used today or nearing industry-wide implementation.

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First is the bigger role of 3D printers in the industry. Major manufacturers currently apply the technology to producing orthodontic appliances, fabricating models, and guiding surgery. Pretty soon the benefits of 3D printing in the industry will lead to everyday, widespread use. 

Another trend is the rise of digital X-rays. These allow for a comprehensive 3D image of the overall composition of our teeth and mouth, aiding dentists in locating potential dental problems and going toward recommending changes in dental habits as preventive measures. 

We are also seeing bigger roles for dental assistants in clinics. The pressure of delivering more efficient service is pushing dentists to hire more assistants. This ensures fluid operational flow by delegating work without sacrificing quality of service. Certified assistants can, for example, oversee provisional fabrication or making digital impressions. 

Lastly, there’s the advent of laser dentistry, now becoming increasingly popular for being generally painless. This is done by using a small, precise laser that can fit between the tooth and gum, a minimally invasive procedure for treating gum disease or simply removing excess plaque.

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Dr. Kami Hoss is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. He has written articles published in numerous professional and community journals and publications. Visit this webpage for more dental industry news.