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.

Image source: Indiatimes.com

Image source: Yourdictionary.com

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.

Image source: Guardian.co.uk

Image source: Huffingtonpost.com

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.

Image source: wikimedia.org

Image source: physicsforceps.com

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.

When to consider dental braces

So you’ve got a couple of crooked teeth and a little overcrowding on the side of your mouth. Do you need to wear dental braces, especially if you’re no longer in your early teenage years and braces can affect the way you eat or your profession? Here are some general tips and advice from celebrated dentist and author Dr. Kami Hoss.

Image source: Pixabay.com

Image source: Pixabay.com

Dental braces are wire-based appliances used for correcting crowded as well as misaligned teeth or jaws. They’re usually recommended to improve orofacial appearance and address problems such as crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and disorders of the jaw joints. For example, there’s too much space between teeth, or a jaw misalignment leads to an uneven bite.

While you can wear braces at any age, orthodontic issues are usually treated at an early age, or from ages 10 to 14 while the head and mouth are still growing, and teeth are more prone to straightening. Age shouldn’t deter you from getting dental braces, though, as you can use them to correct relevant problems and improve your smile.

As an adult, however, you may need to wear braces longer than a younger individual would, reminds Dr. Kami Hoss. This is because your facial bones are no longer growing, so there may be some issues that cannot be corrected through dental braces alone. Rest assured, however, that wearing braces is typically a very safe procedure with minimal short-term risks, such as tooth decay with failure to remove food deposits and plaque growth.

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 ofAcceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. He is a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. Read more on this site.

Curiosity: The mother of invention and innovation

While many people believe that necessity is the mother of invention, others beg to disagree. Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, innovator and leader of The Super Dentists in San Diego, has over the years shown just how curiosity has led to creativity, and ultimately to creation.

Image source: Pixabay.com  

Image source: Pixabay.com  

The fact of the matter is a great number of things have been invented because of necessity, but without curiosity, the greatest minds in history would remain stumped. Sure, inventions often address problems that need to be solved, but how to solve them remains the avenue for the inquisitive.

Take for instance the greatest inventor of all time, Leonardo da Vinci. His inventions were born from his own curiosity and yearning to learn more about the physical world. In fact, even way before da Vinci’s time, people were curious as to how to make their lives more convenient. From the invention of fire and weapons to the wheel and civilization itself, most of these started with people being curious and wanting to learn more.

Curiosity is also a source of inspiration, explains Kami Hoss, MS, DDS. When a person is faced with the unknown, he develops the need to explore it. When it comes to inventors, many of them started off with the question, “What if…?” -- and many of them changed the world.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is a man of many skills and expertise. He holds a master ’s in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. Dr. Hoss also served as an associate professor at the University of Southern California’s Orthodontics Department. If you want to read more about oral health and hygiene, visit this blog.

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.

Image source: istockphoto.com

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.

Image source: npr.org

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.

Image source: askthedentist.com

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.

Image source: usnews.com

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.