Maintaining Proper Oral and Dental Health – Two tips by Dr. Kami Hoss

Good dental and oral hygiene are important in terms of healthy longstanding teeth and gum health. Good oral hygiene involves many habits like brushing twice daily, regular dental checkups, etc. People think that oral health is more about caring for cavities and gum diseases. However, studies have shown that there is a direct association of oral health with the overall health of an individual. Experts consider poor oral health a major global health challenge, which causes many adverse health conditions.

Without proper treatment, tooth decay and gum problems may lead to pain, tooth loss, and challenges related to self-confidence. These issues may also end up in malnutrition and speech-related problems and adversely affect individuals’ school, work, and personal life of individuals. Individuals can try to prevent such problems and ensure proper dental care at home by visiting a dentist. We may further discuss some best practices for oral hygiene.

Dr. Kami Hoss on oral hygiene

  1. Brush regularly

Regularly brushing two times a day and proper use of dental floss will help teeth and gums be fresh and healthy. However, even though people know that brushing twice will help maintain good dental health, they tend to avoid doing so for many reasons or do the same improperly. Brushing teeth will be effective only if you are doing it the right way. Dr. Kami Hoss recommends brushing teeth in small circular motions and making sure that you reach the front, back, and top sides of the teeth. It may take 2 to 3 minutes to complete this process. People may also avoid any back-and-forth motion. Brushing hard or using a hard-bristle brush may cause damage to enamel and gums. It may cause tooth sensitivity, damage to the enamel, and gum erosion. ADA (The American Dental Association) recommends toothbrushes with soft bristles. They also point out that you should change your toothbrush once in three months.

  • Using fluoride

Fluoride is a natural element that comes from the soil of the earth, which is called fluorine. Dentists suggest that fluoride may help prevent dental cavities and is used as a major ingredient in toothpaste. However, there are toothpastes and mouthwashes which do not contain fluoride. Another review shows that just brushing and flossing does not prevent fully from the cavity without the use of fluoride.

 Lack of fluoride may lead to decaying teeth even if the person cares for teeth otherwise

Many organizations recommend using fluoride, including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Dental Association, etc. Some places in the United States have also added fluoride to the water supply. You can check if the water in your area contains fluoride by checking with authorities. The RO (reverse osmosis) process will filter out fluoride, and many bottled water brands also do not contain fluoride.

Along with these regular dental care measures, you also need to visit your dentist once in a while and make sure that a thorough inspection of your teeth is done. Dr. Kami Hoss also suggests that you have to instantly treat and correct any teeth abnormalities and also listen to the dentist’s suggestions for proper upkeep of your teeth and oral hygiene.

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