Brushing as a measure against COVID-19

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Dr. Kami Hoss offers a number of key insights about dental health and proper hygiene. This blog talks about how brushing your teeth can be an excellent way to prevent COVID-19.

It's hard not to notice how frequently people remind each other about proper health habits during this time of the pandemic. We always hear someone reminding us to wash our hands and even our faces. We are constantly barraged with reminders to bring our alcohol bottles to spray on anything we need to touch. But why aren't we talking about brushing our teeth more often?

Many people often overlook it, but Dr. Kami Hoss explains that regularly brushing your teeth can help a lot if you are serious about the prevention of COVID-19

Toothpaste offers a great way to eliminate the germs that cause COVID-19 effectively. The COVID-19 virus is a type of coronavirus that can enter the body through the mouth. However, when the virus gets into contact with something that has the potency of toothpaste, it is killed.

Dr. Kami Hoss explains that toothbrushing may help prevent infection because toothpaste's active ingredient is fluoride, a chemical that kills viruses and bacteria. Cleaning agents like bleach also contain fluoride, which is why they effectively kill the COVID-19 virus. 

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Toothpaste has an anti-viral effect that can last for as long as a few hours after brushing. This benefit is one reason why it is critical to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day, especially if you are in an area where there is a high risk of being infected with COVID-19.

If you are looking for a way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19, make sure to brush your teeth and floss regularly.

Dr.Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, co-founder of The Super Dentists, regularly offers advice on maintaining dental health. For more about the company, please visit this page.

The importance of good oral health in older adults

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The body changes as people age. No matter how old a person is, their dental health plays an important role in determining their quality of life. While people of all ages need to practice good oral hygiene, older adults need to be more vigilant about their gum health as it can help determine their overall wellbeing.

Having strong, healthy, and shiny teeth become less susceptible to decay and gum diseases over time. Dr. Kami Hoss mentions that for older adults to maintain good oral health, it is integral that they pay close attention to their dental hygiene habits. This will determine the general condition of their teeth, gums, and mouth. Thanks to improved quality of life, dental health devices, more adults can keep their pearly whites healthy as they age. Although, their risk of suffering from bad oral health may increase due to medication or memory loss.

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While some older adults don’t usually have a problem when it comes to fitting dentures, those who suffer from medical conditions such as xerostomia, osteoporosis, and diabetes may find it challenging as the process of getting fitted for these can be uncomfortable and may take longer to finalize.

For Dr. Kami Hoss, neglecting to practice good oral hygiene can affect a person’s self-esteem. Thus, it’s understandable that people may choose to forgo going to the dentist or investing in dental devices and products due to financial constraints. However, it’s incredibly important for one to pay attention to dental health as much as they do with other aspects of health.

Dr. Kami Hoss is the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists, the biggest orthodontic practice and pediatric dentistry in San Diego. He is an author, consultant, inventor, enthusiast, and speaker in business and dentistry. Head over to this page for more articles.

Dental hygiene 101 - What causes bleeding gums

 

Dr. Kami Hoss continues with his series of blogs that aim to help his readers know more about dental health. In today’s discussion, he shares his wisdom on one of the common dental problems out there: bleeding gums.

What causes bleeding gums?

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1. Improper brushing

A lot of people, even those who brush regularly, still maintain poor brushing habits in that they place too much pressure on their teeth when they brush. Perhaps, thinking that they are being more thorough in the way that they clean their teeth, they press on too hard, which causes their gums to give in to the strain and then bleed. Dr. Kami Hoss adds that this becomes even worse when worn-out toothbrushes are used, because these tend to be shaped quite irregularly and can cause gum damage.

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2. Improper flossing

The type of people described in the previous point are probably the same ones who also floss the wrong way. When flossing is done in excessive force, this can cause even greater damage than any toothbrush ever can. When flossing, one has to be really gentle and extremely aware of the angle by which the floss gets into to contact with the teeth and the gums.

3. Plaque buildup

A notorious culprit that causes gum bleeding is the buildup of plaque under the gum line. Plaque is a sticky mixture made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris, that typically builds up on the exposed parts of the teeth. While it is a major cause of tooth decay, it also causes gums to be infected, which results in bleeding.

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 largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. For more about his work, please visit this page.

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. 

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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. 

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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.

Dental care during COVID-19

 

Because of the outbreak of COVID-19, most businesses were forced to close as a preventive measure for minimizing the spread of the virus. And like most businesses, dental facilities have also been affected. Considering that the virus’ main entry way is through the nostrils and the mouth, one could understand why dental facilities had to close. Dr. Kami Hoss of the Super Dentists in San Diego claim that due to this predicament, people should be more careful about their dental health now that getting a dental appointment could be difficult or may not be possible. Here are some dental care tips to follow. 

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The very first thing you need to remember is that in order to take care of your teeth and gums, just follow your daily dental hygiene routine and all should be well. The problem though is that due to today’s circumstances, people could get sloppy with their hygiene given that they’re not going to work on a regular basis. People who have started working from home tend to lose the hygienic routine they have had previously. 

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Now that seeing a dentist isn’t as easy as before, everyone should avoid food that often lands us in the dentist’s chair. If you are wearing braces, avoid food that can mess up your braces. If you have bleeding gums, disinfect your toothbrush often and floss regularly. Dr. Kami Hoss reminds everyone that for now, people should limit their dental visits to dental care emergencies only. This protocol is to ensure the safety of your family as well as the well-being of dental practitioners.

Dr. Kami Hoss is also an author and in-demand speaker in dentistry and business. He has published articles in numerous professional and community journals and has been invited by many news organizations to lend his expertise on the topics of dentistry and orthodontics. For more information on Dr. Kami Hoss, visit this website.

Important facts everybody needs to know about their teeth

Kami Hoss DDS has indeed kept himself busy during the global health crisis that has gripped the world. He has continued to write and release a series of blogs to help inform and educate his patients as well as readers everywhere on the finer points of oral care.

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For today, Dr. Hoss explores three important facts that everybody needs to know about their teeth that may very well impact the oral health of people for the better.

Teeth color and health
People can see in toothpaste ads everywhere that whiter teeth equate to healthier teeth. The truth about this is that whiter teeth are more aesthetically pleasing, and that's about it. Science has shown that whiter teeth don't necessarily translate to stronger teeth. There are several reasons teeth become less white, such as aging, diet, and sometimes injury. All these don't mean that teeth become weaker.

Brushing and bleeding gums
People think that brushing bleeding gums could lead to more serious problems. Dr. Kami Hoss explains that the truth is the opposite. Bleeding gums may be a sign of conditions such as inflammation or gingivitis. Brushing them may get rid of the bacteria and plaque that are causing these conditions.

The importance of flossing

Kami Hoss explains that people who don't floss are making a huge mistake. Flossing can clean parts of the mouth that brushing cannot. Studies have shown that flossing can clean up to a third of the entire mouth, which brushes can't reach.

A sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business, Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, has written articles published in numerous professional and community journals and publications and has been asked to appear on many news organizations' TV segments to discuss a variety of topics. Visit this blog for similar reads.

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

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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 medical and hygienic benefits of flossing

A lot of people think that brushing their teeth is enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. While this is a good start, people should really go further when it comes to oral hygiene. Flossing isn’t a particularly popular regimen when it comes to cleaning the teeth and gums partly because people have difficulties in flossing properly which is why they don’t even bother. But according to Dr. Kami Hoss, flossing can bring forth many medical and hygienic benefits. Here are just some of those benefits.

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Prevents the accumulation of plaque: Tartar can accumulate between the teeth without you knowing. Not every bathroom has a magnifying mirror nor does everyone check the crevices between their teeth carefully. Daily flossing allows you to remove plaque and prevent tartar from ever forming in our gum line.

Prevents foul breath: Bad breath is often caused when food particles remain in the teeth or gums. Bacteria in the food particles break down and produces an unpleasant smell. This usually occurs when you aren’t thorough with oral hygiene before you go to sleep. Flossing allows you to remove food particles in hard to reach areas, preventing bad breath from occurring.

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Lowers risks of gum disease: When plaque is left unattended for extended periods, it’s possible for you to get gum disease. According to Dr. Kami Hoss, gum disease occurs when the gums get inflamed or get an infection. An example of gum disease is periodontal disease in which the plaque slowly eats away at the soft gum tissues. In later stages, extreme decay can even cause root canal problems.

Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also the chief executive officer of Acceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. To know more about Dr. Hoss, visit this website.

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.