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Tips on Selecting a Pediatric Dentist for Your Children

 Making regular trips to the dentist is an important part of children’s overall health. For parents who want help on how to choose a pediatric dentist for their kids, Dr. Kami Hoss lists some criteria they have to consider. Qualifications, certificates, and licenses The first things parents must check are the qualifications and certificates earned by the dental practitioner. The requirements vary in each state; hence, it is recommended to check the qualifications and certificates that dentists should hold in that state on the official government website. Parents should also check if the pediatric dentist has an active license and is legally allowed to run their practice. Fun and accommodating environment Going to a dental clinic can be anxiety-inducing for children. Even adults can feel uncomfortable about going in for dental check-ups or procedures. Parents must look for a dental clinic that can make their young ones feel safe and happy. Most pediatric dental practices allow paren

Key reasons to watch out for gum disease

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medicinenet.com A person’s periodontal health says a lot about their overall health and wellbeing. Evidence shows us gum disease can become a catalyst for other conditions to arise and adversely impact one’s body. The role gum disease plays in the severity of COVID-19 when contracted is the most recent cause for alarm. In this blog post, Dr. Kami Hoss shares various reasons it is vital to watch for the signs of gum disease.     For individuals battling cancer, periodontal disease may be one of the most common harmful effects of cancer treatments. Experts have linked cancer to inflammation and inflammation to periodontal disease. People undergoing cancer treatment have reported adverse side effects, including oral mucositis, xerostomia, and osteoradionecrosis. Some of these treatments destroy healthy cells in the oral cavity. Cancer patients are encouraged to receive appropriate dental diagnosis and treatment to prevent periodontal disease before starting their first cancer treatmen

More tips on maintaining top oral health

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Image source:  cnn.com For today's blog, Dr. Kami Hoss shares seven well-known and not-so-well-known tips on how to maintain good oral health. If using a toothpick, make sure it isn't hard. Hard toothpicks can cause the gums to recede due to excessive friction or damage to the enamel of teeth or root surface. Toothpicks should also not be used on dental implants or braces as they can cause damage. Use a straw when drinking acidic drinks. Drinking acidic beverages, such as fruit juice and soda, through a straw helps minimize contact with the teeth and keeps acid from wearing away tooth enamel. Floss every day. Flossing removes plaque buildup between teeth that a toothbrush can't reach. Flossing every day helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Brush your tongue as well. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the top of the tongue in an up-and-down motion, being careful not to brush too hard. This removes bacteria and helps freshen breat

All you need to know about gingivitis

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Image source: diabetes.co.uk Gingivitis is the primary phase of gum disease caused by plaque and bacteria formed in the mouth. A condition preventable by daily brushing and flossing, the plaque buildup develops toxins that irritate the gum tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis carries the potential to become periodontitis that may cause lasting damage to the teeth and jaw. The two types of gingivitis are dental plaque-induced gingival disease and non-plaque induced gingival lesions, explains Kami Hoss, DDS. When one fails to remove the bacteria and plaque appropriately, it can turn into tartar or calculus at the base of the tooth by the gums. A yellow-like substance, calculus can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar and plaque cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums. While mild instances of gingivitis can go unnoticed, the usual signs and symptoms include tender gums that cause pain when touched, bright red to purple gums, bleeding from gums when flossing and brushing, bad br

Using child-friendly colors in dental clinics

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  Choosing the right color scheme for a dental clinic helps to dispel fear among children when the thought of visiting a dentist arrives one day. For Dr. Kami Hoss, CEO and co-founder of The Super Dentists, a mixture of the right colors and superhero figures, stuff that children are familiar with, makes visits to the dentist something for them to look forward to. Image source: pinimg.com Here are some colors and their meanings that are worth considering:  Blue - It could be cerulean, aqua, or even sky blue. The color is good for introspection and creates calm and peaceful spaces.  Yellow – The color stimulates the mind as it energizes a space. It gives children some daytime vibes, though an overabundance of it may not suit a dental clinic. Yellow works well with gray, blue, or green.  Brown - This earthy tone suggests the color of nature. It brightens up to beige.  Gray - A tough color choice that may lead to a feeling of loneliness if it dominates. This co

Five tips to keep a healthy smile during the holidays

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  The holidays are packed with festivities. The pandemic may be restricting people from partying with one another, but the grub remains the same. All the holiday treats and family food traditions still find their way to the table. Here are five tips to protect the teeth this season.  Image source: fisherpointedental.com   Candies and chocolates are famous snacks and desserts during the holidays. Lay off the sweets . Consuming excessive amounts of candy canes, mints, chocolates, and cakes can damage the teeth severely. It’s best to limit intake to a few bites to maintain healthy teeth and keep blood sugar levels at bay, says Dr. Kami Hoss. Skip the dried fruit treats after dinner. One might think that eating dried fruits before and after a meal is as healthy as eating an actual fruit. However, these sugar-covered fruits present the same danger to dental health as candies. Choose beverage wisely . With family and friends over, it’s only normal to offer a range of drinks.

How dentists make charitable contributions

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  You’ve probably heard of Medicins Sans Frontieres or Doctors Without Borders and think about how professionals in the wider medical community do good. In case you’re wondering how dentists perform charitable services, you’ll be glad to know your orthodontists and dental hygienists have their way of giving back to the community.  Image source:  yourdentistryguide.com First and foremost, dentists also offer low-cost dental services to low-income individuals and families as their primary means of helping. If that isn’t enough, some dentists volunteer their time to work for free dental care clinics. These dentists know that dental care costs in the US can be expensive; that’s why they do this as a community service.  Another way that dentists help is by offering to rebuild the teeth of particularly disadvantaged segments of society like seniors and people with disabilities. The dental professionals who started the Give Back a Smile program, for example, work on the survivors of do