Does oral health really matter?

Oral health is more than having white teeth and fresh breath. While these two are great ways to tell that a person is healthy and knows how to take care of themselves, oral health can tell a lot about one’s overall health. 

  

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, mentions that not everyone is aware that their mouth is the window to their general health. Experts in the field of health and wellness agree that there is a relationship between oral health and overall wellbeing. Several illnesses such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are linked to gum disease. Research by the North Carolina School of Dentistry revealed that individuals suffering from gum disease have twice the likelihood of dying from a heart attack and thrice the possibility of having a stroke. 

Gum disease, a common chronic inflammatory condition, is generally a quiet health problem. The oral cavity acts as an entryway for infection. Inflammation in the mouth allows bacteria to enter one’s bloodstream, resulting in more inflammation in different parts of the body, including the heart.

Dr. Kami Hoss reminds everyone to take oral health seriously, as overall health and oral health are interrelated. A person must schedule regular visits to the dentist to prevent gum disease. Also, periodical cleaning prevents gum disease and other dental problems.

Dr. Kami Hoss holds a master’s degree in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He is the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. Head over to this page for similar reads.

The do’s and don’ts of smart flossing

A critical part of optimal oral care is dental flossing, which eliminates plaque that can build up in between teeth and cause tooth decay or gum disease. It helps clean the dark, tight spaces in between teeth, places that are normally out of your toothbrush’s reach. Here are some tips from dentist and author Dr. Kami Hoss when it comes to smart flossing.

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Do it gently and at least once a day According to the American Dental Association, you should floss your teeth once every day, a habit you can get into before you go to bed every night. Beware harsh and excessive flossing, as it won’t deliver further benefit and can even damage and irritate sensitive gum tissue.


Bleeding gums? Don’t give up on the floss What you should realize is that the bleeding isn’t really caused by flossing, but instead by gum inflammation or disease. If you find your gums bleeding often, it’s about time to check with your dentist and ask about the overall well-being of your gums and teeth.

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Explore different floss props You can choose from waxed or unwaxed string, tape, holders, braided floss, threaders, and power flossers, to name a few. Dr. Kami Hoss says that as long as you’re gentle while you floss, you can experiment with what works for you best. Ask your dentist, too, for sound advice!


Apply the right technique Use some 18 inches of floss, and hold a short amount of it between your thumb and fingers. Insert the floss between your teeth. Gently move it in a slow back-and-forth motion as well as up and down. Avoid applying too much pressure and re-using string that’s been previously used and could already be harboring germs.


Kami Hoss, MS, DDS is the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists. He is also the CEO of Acceledontics, and Howard Healthcare Academy. He holds a master’s degree in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. Read more about his practice on this site.