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.

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.

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.

Post-braces: Maintain dental alignment with these steps

Graduating from braces can be a relief for those who have worn the dental appliance for years. After multiple check-ups and adjustments, taking out these brackets shouldn't be the end of one's dental care. Dentists usually require their patients to wear retainers to protect the alignment of their teeth for up to a year. Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, shares some steps that will keep those pearly whites clean and aligned after braces.

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Brush teeth at least twice a day

It's important to keep up with a brushing habit especially after the braces have been removed. Dirt buildup can cause receding gums that can also affect the alignment of teeth. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush is a basic but effective way to prevent teeth from shifting.

Clean retainers regularly

Retainers are required by most dentists for six months to a year to maintain dental alignment. However, most people forget to take off their retainers during mealtimes or even clean them regularly. Dr. Kami Hoss suggests washing removable retainers daily. Using lukewarm water and dish soap can wash away the debris that builds up during the day. Before soaking the retainers, it's best to ask dentists about the number of hours and the solution to be used to prevent damaging the retainers. One should also keep retainers case clean and dry to prevent bacteria.

Stay hydrated

A dry mouth can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can damage the teeth and gums. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water every day will keep the teeth strong and healthy, especially after treatment with braces.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. He is also a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. For similar reads, click here.

An easy guide to disinfecting a toothbrush

Brushing the teeth is considered the most important step in ensuring oral health. However, according to Dr. Kami Hoss, most people forget to disinfect their toothbrushes. This step is crucial as a brush can be exposed to germs and dirt even when covered. Here is an easy guide to disinfecting a toothbrush.

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Washing: Be sure to wash hands before brushing the teeth. After brushing, clean the brush to make sure that no toothpaste or debris remains on the bristles. Don't forget to clean the handle and the back.

Soaking: Dental professionals like Dr. Kami Hoss suggest soaking toothbrushes overnight in mouthwash, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. These cleaning agents will keep dirt from building up and will also eliminate the bacteria in the toothbrush. Putting one to two teaspoons of one of these solutions in a cup of water is enough.

Drying: When it comes to drying toothbrushes, it's important to keep them away from each other. Sometimes it's better to leave them to air dry without a cover. It's also better to wash and dry the toothbrush covers. Experts suggest keeping brushes as far away from the toilet as possible. When storing them in a cup or a holder, it's important to keep the brush heads inches apart.

Dentists advise individuals to replace their toothbrush when it softens or shows signs of fraying. In case someone at home gets the flu or other viruses, it's important to keep their toothbrush away to prevent others from sickness. It's also best to dispose of contaminated brushes.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. Dr. Hoss is also the chief executive of Acceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. Follow this blog for more on dental health.

Tooth extractions: When does one need to have their teeth pulled out?

With his extensive experience as a dental surgeon, Kami Hoss has helped countless of people with their dental problems over the years. On top of that, he educates and informs everyone on everything related to dentistry through his series of blogs.

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For today’s topic, Kami Hoss answers the question, “When does a person need to have his teeth extracted?”

The fact that humans only grow two sets of teeth in the lifetime means that the second set must be maintained thoroughly. Even if modern medicine has afforded people painless tooth extractions, dentists only perform the procedure as a last resort.

The most common reason people need tooth extractions is because the tooth in question has become damaged to the point that it can no longer be repaired. Sometimes, this happens through decay, and sometimes, through infection. Normally, extraction is straightforward, unless infection has spread throughout the surrounding tissue.

Another common reason for extraction is the existence of wisdom teeth, especially in cases wherein the jaw of the person is too short. Though the procedure is normally harmless, when there is a lack of space for wisdom teeth, the other teeth become impacted or worse, infected.

There are also circumstances wherein some teeth that emerge are simply too large (or, conversely, the jaws may be too short). This affects the alignment of the teeth. Kami Hoss notes that there are also instances in which people have more teeth than normal.

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. Visit this blog for more dental care tips.