Dr. Kami Hoss

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...

  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 ran...

It is appropriate for a person to make it a goal to have good oral and dental hygiene to have strong teeth, fresh breath, and healthy gums. It may not be evident to many, but maintaining good oral health is integral to keeping good general health. Image source: contossmilecenter.com Image source: britedentalgroup.com.au Dentists all over the world urge their patients to brush and floss their teeth regularly, and for important reasons. According to Dr. Kami Hoss, a healthy mouth combats health issues. Doctors can tell much about a person’s health just by looking inside their mouth or taking a swab of their saliva. An individual suffering from gum disease may carry an increased risk of alarming health problems such as stroke, heart attack, preterm labor, and poorly managed diabetes. Several infections that can lead to more complicated health issues start from the mouth. Gingivitis, a common inflammation of the gums, can progress into periodontitis, a more acute in...

If it’s true that you are what you eat, then you might want to consider quitting certain foods because they are bad news for your teeth and overall dental health. For starters, they can cause plaque, which can seriously damage your teeth and lead to tooth decay as well as gum disease. Here are some of the top offenders, according to author, dentist, and entrepreneur Dr. Kami Hoss. Image source: Pixabay.com Image source: Pixabay.com Sour candies and sweets : Dentists have long sounded the alarm on sticky candies and sweets, and for a good reason. Sour candy, for instance, contains more and various types of acids that damage your teeth. Since they’re also chewy and tend to stick to your teeth longer, they are more likely to result in decay. You’re likely better off with chocolate, which you can quickly chew and isn’t as bad as other sugar-laden treats. Carbonated drinks : Sodas enable plaque to create more acid, attacking tooth enamel. Sip it all day, and you can...

Ensure oral health while traveling with these three tips Going on a well-deserved getaway is not an excuse to neglect good oral health care habits. Even if being in transit might make it difficult, Dr. Kami Hoss shares some tips that will make sure your teeth and gums don't suffer while away on vacation: Image source: Pexels.com Image source: Pexels.com Prepare a travel-sized dental care kit A pouch or a resealable plastic bag containing a travel-sized toothbrush, mouthwash, and floss is a must-have in one's backpack or carry-on. However, be sure to dry and cover the toothbrush after every use to prevent other elements from contaminating it while stored in the bag. Brush and gargle with clean water When roughing it out in a new place, it can sometimes be hard to find potable water. For those who are not sure whether the place they're going to has a supply of clean water, it's wise to buy bottled water for personal use. In some cases, boiling w...

Many people forgo dental visits as they usually associate it with pain, additional expenses, and just about anything negative they want to avoid. However, having the teeth checked up by a dentist can be a positive experience as this can lead to better oral hygiene and improvement of one’s overall health. Image source: irishexaminer.com Dentists play an integral role in keeping a person’s dental health in great shape. It is encouraged to visit the dentist at least twice each year to maintain overall dental health. To keep the teeth, tongue, and gums in their best form, a person should make time to see their dentist, according to Dr. Kami Hoss. Without the help of a dentist, the early detection of tooth decay may be impossible. The chief reason people should visit their dentists regularly is to prevent dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease to take place. Sometimes, brushing and flossing twice a day aren’t enough. Dentists ensure patients of a thorough clean of ...

Successfully avoiding bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease are satisfactory reasons to maintain good oral hygiene. But there’s more to good teeth than these practical benefits – a strong, shiny set of pearly whites and a nice smile have been actually shown in studies to enhance one’s wellness and happiness. Image source: Pixabay.com A good set of teeth does wonders for your health. When teeth are properly aligned, gums tend to be much healthier as well. This can translate to fewer illnesses and even a lower risk of major issues such as heart disease and stroke. It also results in increased comfort, since crooked or misaligned teeth can sometimes cause the jaw to sit incorrectly and lead to muscle strains. Some misalignments, too, can cause major problems with your gums and bite. Confidence and a better life are other winning benefits. In a study on how smiling improves cooperation between men and women, it was found that seeing a picture of one’s partner smiling...

Dental care is an important part of daily living. Without much argument, any form of irregularity on a person’s teeth can bring about suffering across many aspects. A lot of people today have dental issues that likely had a chance to be corrected when they were much younger. The truth is, educating children about dental care fixes a lot of problems before they take over a person’s life. Image source: youtube.com A child can easily develop bad habits early on, which simply have to be corrected. The most infamous of all these is poor tooth brushing habits. Sometimes a child skips on brushing altogether. They should be taught about brushing regularly. There are also other routines that have annoyed parents, like brushing without using the right amount of toothpaste or brushing at a rushed pace. These habits have to be corrected, too. Children also tend to consume a ridiculous amount of sugar in their diet. Not only is this bad for their health in general, but it...