Winter oral health care: All the things you need to know

 

The holidays bring in joy, fun, excitement, and sometimes toothache. Adults and kids generally eat more than usual during the festive season, which can be tough on the teeth and gums. The combination of cold weather and hot drinks may also be a threat to a person’s oral health. 

Image source: nationaltoday.com

Kami Hoss, DDS, MS shares that hot treats and drinks, outdoor winter activities, and drier air can put a person’s teeth in danger. Stay hydrated even during winter. A person still sweats during the cold season and the recommended eight or more glasses of water per day must be followed all through the year. 

Try to eat healthy and watch out for excess sweets. Partying and eating with friends seem worlds away due to the pandemic. Take this opportunity to eat and drink right. Encourage kids to skip candies and other sweets. Watch the juice and hot cocoa as these may contain excessive sugar which can lead to sore throat and tooth decay. Practice proper oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day to prevent cavities. Teeth can get a little too sensitive during winter, especially when biting into cold food. To get rid of the pain, brush with a desensitizing toothpaste. 

Image source: mintdental.com.au

Dr. Kami Hoss shares that people tend to have weaker immune systems during the cold months, leaving some to become more susceptible to infections and inflammations. Prevent germs from entering the mouth by maintaining proper oral hygiene. Should there be concerns about one’s dental health, call the dentist immediately.

Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, holds a master’s in craniofacial biology and doctorate in dental surgery. He co-founded and built The Super Dentists with his business partner and wife Dr. Nazil Keri. To read more from Dr. Kami Hoss, subscribe to this blog.

Oral hygiene tips during COVID-19

With almost everyone locked up in their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19, getting one’s teeth checked and cleaned by a dentist may be challenging, if at all, necessary. Dr. Kami Hoss offers some oral hygiene tips to keep plaque and other dental issues at bay while many dental clinics

Image source: theconversation.com

Image source: dentistry.uic.edu

Proper oral hygiene must be practiced at all times. However, during COVID-19 pandemic, everyone may have to add a few more steps to their dental health routine. Store toothbrushes as far from the toilet as possible. Studies suggest that the novel coronavirus can be spread through fecal matter. Close the toilet bowl lid before flushing to prevent the spray from flying out of the toilet.

Change brushes regularly. Toothbrushes must only be used for three months, with some not even lasting that long. Doing this prevents the spread of bacteria and provides better cleaning. Dentists recommend to brush at least twice a day and floss once daily to keep the teeth and gums healthy while most dentist offices are closed. A key component of the immune system is the oral microbiome. Gargle with mouthwashes with little to no alcohol content to not disrupt the health of the oral microbiome.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, reminds everyone to keep practicing basic oral hygiene. Aside from washing hands regularly, brushing at least twice daily helps in keeping one healthy. Drinking plenty of water and cutting down on sugary snacks and drinks keep the teeth and gums healthy, as well.

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 in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. To know more about Dr. Hoss, head over to this page.

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.

Image source: aus-bizlist.com

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.

Image source: pixabay.com

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.