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...

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...

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 ...

Much has already been said about the importance of brushing the teeth regularly as part of maintaining children’s proper oral hygiene. However, flossing should also be included in the routine because it is the best way to extract food debris that is trapped between the teeth or the spaces where gums meet the teeth, areas that a toothbrush could not reach. Image source: deltavisionmo.com As many parents know, it is quite schallenging to get their children to floss for a variety of reasons. Listed below are some tips on how to encourage kids to floss. Demonstrate how it is done: Flossing obviously requires more dexterity than brushing, which is why parents should show the kids first how it should be done. It is better to pay a visit to a dental clinic so that both parents and children would get to learn the proper way of flossing. The family can even make it a family affair by including it in the nighttime routine. Use floss picks or floss holders: Because it m...

Parents should be aware that good oral practices begin in childhood. It is imperative then that we inculcate the value of oral hygiene in our kids early on. It doesn’t matter that those teeth are temporary; our little ones should learn to take care of them because the healthy habit will be carried into their adult lives. Image source: stayathomemum.com.au Firstly, take time to explain to them the importance of brushing their teeth. Don’t just order them to do so twice a day; they’ve to understand what would happen if they don’t brush, like the pain of tooth decay and developing plaque. Adjust your explanation to their age. For example, a six-year-old might not grasp what plaque is, but could understand what germs are.  In connection with the previous point, make brushing a fun experience for them. You can sing a song while they brush, or brush your own teeth with them so that they associate the activity with enjoyment.  Regular visits to the dentist is...