All you need to know about bruxism in children

 

Bruxism or teeth grinding is mostly experienced by adults. But this sleeping-related movement disorder is relatively common in children, too. Generally happening when a person is under stress or in a deep sleep, bruxism can become a severe dental concern when left untreated.

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Some kids may grind their teeth if these hurt, while others do so due to stress or anxiety. Misaligned teeth can cause dental concern, but it’s more likely that a child feels anxious about something. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause dull headaches, pain around the ear, and tension pains that start near the temples, explains Kami Hoss, DDS, MS. In other cases, kids may feel pain when chewing or when eating cold and sugary treats.

When teeth grinding is excessive, it causes wear and tear on the enamel, sometimes almost exposing the deeper layers of the teeth, increasing their sensitivity. It’s possible for kids not to outgrow the sleep disorder. Kids whose teeth grinding don’t stop may suffer from chipped or fractured teeth, while others may develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes increased pain in the jaw. Kids with TMD may find it harder to chew or open their mouth fully.

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If parents or guardians suspect their child has bruxism, it would be best to schedule a dental checkup, notes Kami Hoss, DDS, MS. A proper diagnosis will include the appropriate treatment for bruxism and its symptoms. Some kids and adults with bruxism may benefit more from stress and anxiety relief and management.

Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, holds a master’s in craniofacial biology and a doctorate in dental surgery. He also co-founded The Super Dentists with his business partner and wife, Dr. Nazli Keri. For more updates, head over to this blog.

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.

Why baby teeth are important

 

Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are just as important as permanent teeth. For Dr. Kami Hoss, a child’s physical and emotional well-being and social development depend highly on their dental health. Here are a few reasons why baby teeth should be valued the same way permanent teeth are treated.

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Placement of teeth

The purpose of the primary teeth is to ensure proper positioning of the upcoming permanent teeth, Dr. Kami Hoss explains. However, losing a baby tooth prematurely due to tooth decay may drift the adjacent teeth toward the empty slot. If this happens, the upcoming permanent teeth may be hampered from erupting into their proper place.

Permanent teeth wellness

Cavities spread very quickly through the thin enamel of baby teeth. If left untreated, infections may develop, which can hinder the formation of a permanent tooth underneath. Take note that permanent teeth grow close to the roots of baby teeth.

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Overall health and nutrition

As children grow, their health and nutrition depend on the food they eat. Dr. Kami Hoss advises parents to bring their kids for a regular check-up to treat possible cavities. Otherwise, it could worsen and affect other areas of a child’s well-being.

Important information

Parents should know that babies have their primary teeth already present in their jaws at the moment of birth. These begin to appear between the age of 6 months and 1 year. At 3 years old, that’s the time when most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Dr.Kami Hoss is the CEO and co-founder of San Diego’s largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice - The Super Dentists. He also serves the community by holding activities to teach children about good oral hygiene. For more information, visit this page.

Helping kids manage their fear of the dentist

 

In reality, there really isn’t any reason to fear the dentist. They help individuals get the smile they want and deserve through necessary dental treatments. However, some kids may have an irrational fear of the dentist which can prevent them from having their teeth checked. Adults can encourage kids to manage their fear of the dentist.

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Find friendly dentists. Dr. Kami Hoss and The Super Dentists help kids feel comfortable and at ease in every time they visit for a check-up or a procedure. It’s also important for parents to have confidence in the dentist and their staff in order for the child to feel the same. Prepare the child for the visit. Answer questions about the dentist truthfully and avoid downplaying their anxieties. Encourage the child to talk about what makes them afraid or nervous about the visit.

Adults may have the tendency to make dental visits seem scary, especially for kids. Instead, make the visit enticing. Read books and watch videos about dentists that are kid-friendly to build their excitement. Use the right words when talking about dental visits. Rather than using words that might evoke negative reactions such as “pain,” “shot,” or “hurt,” use positive, kid-friendly words like “healthy,” “clean,” and “comfortable.”

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Explore the dental office. Parents can arrange for the dental staff to tour the child around the office to help them see there is nothing to fear. They can even let kids hold kid-friendly dental tools for a little role playing before the actual procedure.

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. Read more about Dr. Kami Hoss here.

Parent-tested ways to teach kids about oral health

 

Children learn about health and hygiene at home. Parents have a responsibility to teach their little ones how to brush their teeth properly and what they need to do to maintain their pearly whites. Dr. Kami Hoss, the CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists, shares what moms and dads can do to teach their kids good oral habits.

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Show them the benefits

This step can be done with the help of the family's dentist during one of their visits or consultations. Dentists can boost parents' efforts to teach their child how to properly brush their teeth. Many dentists have visual aids or tools that can help children better understand the importance of developing good oral habits. Dr. Kami Hoss says going to the dentist regularly will encourage kids not to be afraid of check-ups.

Let them choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, and cup

The kids will be excited to brush their teeth every day if they have their own dental hygiene kit. Kids who are just learning to brush on their own might have seen their parents brush, gargle, and floss. Giving them their own things will make learning easier for them. If a child doesn't like the taste of toothpaste, parents can find other flavors to try.

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Make it musical

Put on some music to hype the little ones. Two- to three-minute tunes are perfect for training them to brush right. During this time, parents can create a choreography that will train the kids to brush in circles, reach the inner areas, clean the tongue, and rinse. Kids learn best when there's music and routine so this strategy will surely work with them.

The Super Dentists CEO 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 Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. For more information, visit this page.

Some expert advice on putting up a clinic

 

Dr. Kami Hoss is primarily known for being one of the most respected dentists in the industry. However, some people don’t realize that he is also successful because of his business acumen. In this blog, he shares some advice on putting up a clinic.

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If you want to use your education and your professional certification, you need to be prepared to compete out there in the market and start treating yourself as a business. Whether you are a dentist, a doctor, or a dermatologist, setting up a clinic could be one of the best decisions you can ever make. According to Dr. Kami Hoss, a change in mindset, from being a licensed practitioner, to thinking in terms of operating as a business, is your first critical step.

Just because you are a full-fledged professional, it doesn’t follow you will naturally attract your customers. You need to create a brand to have something to be associated with, and you also need to invest in marketing. You can actually do this for free by creating a social media page for your clinic. Here you will realize that Facebook is a powerful business tool. You can begin by asking your close friends and relatives to like your page and then progressively build your clinic’s base of followers from there.

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It also helps you establish a good supply chain because your clinic will live and die by the strength of your relationships with other suppliers. You will always need stocks to boost your operations because no matter how good the equipment you choose to use in your clinic, you will need maintenance products and services. Stock up on medicines, as well as the common consumables that your clinic needs.

Dr.Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, founded the San Diego pediatric dentistry practice The Super Dentists with his business partner and wife, Dr. Nazli Keri. Their business grew to have more than 180 employees with more than 125,000 active patients. For more related articles, visit this page.

What happens to the teeth as a person ages?

 

Like the rest of the body, your gums and teeth also age. This is why it's crucial to ensure oral health. Lifestyle habits, health conditions, and injuries contribute to the aging. In this blog, Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, discusses what happens to the teeth as a person grows older.

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It becomes more at risk for cavities

Bacteria in the mouth causes plaque that turns sugar and starch components from food into acid. Having too much of this can damage the tooth enamel. Without proper cleaning and check-up, this can lead to cavities. While many people think that children are more prone to cavities, it is actually also common among adults as their teeth are already permanent. As a person grows older, the gums recede and make them more at risk of developing cavities. Having a dry mouth can also lead to dirt and bacteria buildup that might contribute to damaging the teeth.

Gum problems might be causing the pain and inflammation

Aside from age, having a habit of brushing too hard can damage the gums through the years. On the other hand, periodontal disease can also quicken the damage caused by tartar and plaque buildup on the teeth. Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, also says that habits such as smoking and poor dental hygiene might worsen gum disease that might eventually lead to tooth decay.

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Discolored teeth

Through the years, a person's teeth may become discolored. Aside from smoking or drinking tea and coffee that might lead to stains, the teeth may start yellowing because of dentin that can start showing through the enamel, which might become more fragile with age. While there are many products out there that promise a whiter smile, it's important to consult with a dentist before trying these products, as they might make the teeth even more sensitive.

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 page for more on dental care.