Brushing Wrong? A Specialist Shares 5 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Oral Care

 You’re not brushing correctly. 5 ways to enhance your oral care from a specialist

Tooth decay ranks as the most prevalent noncommunicable illness worldwide, yet cavities can be prevented.

Despite all the “practice” you engage in for your beautiful smile — ideally, you’re brushing two times daily and flossing once a day, year after year — you’d assume you’d be an expert by now.

However, health statistics present a different reality. Tooth decay, encompassing cavities or caries, is the leading noncommunicable disease across the planet, a fact that is true even in the United States. This is despite the understanding that cavities are primarily preventable.

“If a condition that is nearly entirely avoidable is the most common disease among adults and children globally, perhaps we should reassess what we’ve been communicating,” dentist and orthodontic expert Dr. Kami Hoss mentioned to CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta recently on his podcast, Chasing Life.

Countless individuals who diligently manage their daily oral care and biannual dental appointments may still end up with cavities, pointed out Hoss, an educator, entrepreneur, and author of "If An in-depth guide to oral health and how it affects your entire life is called "Mouth Could Talk."

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Hoss refers to the mouth as “one of the most crucial organs” in the body, housing a vast ecosystem of oral microbes, saliva, soft tissues, and bones.

Many believe the mouth consists solely of teeth,” he remarked, highlighting its close relation to the lower jaw and the maxilla, which involves the upper jaw, the floor of the nasal cavity, and the orbit of the eye socket. Moreover, “the posture of your tongue influences your breathing, speech, and taste,” he added.

Not to forget, your oral health and teeth also impact your appearance. Oral well-being “affects all these areas,” he said, affecting “systemic health, mental well-being, personal achievements, career successes, our dating experiences, and our financial situation.”

You can listen to the entire episode here.

Hoss is also deeply invested in oral health due to its influence on numerous bodily functions.

“It goes much deeper. For some reason — likely due to the disconnect between medicine and dentistry — we tend to overlook that the mouth is not an isolated part. It is an entry point to your body,” Hoss stated.

 He clarified, "Your mouth is a complex system that incorporates gum tissue, enamel, saliva chemistry, and a live microbiome." "Maintaining biological equilibrium, encouraging natural remineralization, and maintaining a healthy pH are all crucial."

. They can infect the heart, damage joints, spread to the brain, or even injure an unborn child.

But let us go back to the mouth and the seemingly enduring problem of dental decay.The problem is asking the next 100 people I meet today, "What causes cavities?" Since that is the narrative we have been fed, they will all probably respond, "Not brushing enough and consuming too much sweets," Hoss stated. "We need to extend our perspective."

How can you elevate your oral care regimen to better your mouth health? Hoss provides these five recommendations.

Don’t brush immediately after eating

Brushing right after a meal is detrimental to your teeth. It can actually harm them.

He said, "Your mouth becomes acidic and your enamel dissolves briefly after consuming food or liquids, especially acidic ones." He uttered those words. "Brushing during this time can enhance tooth sensitivity and accelerate enamel erosion."

He suggested waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes before brushing. An alternative is to balance the pH in your mouth with an alkaline rinse or mouth spray. Hoss recommended seeking a product with a verified alkaline pH that is free from alcohol, artificial colors, or harsh chemicals.

He pointed out that modern methods emphasize reconstructing enamel in a way that closely simulates the natural formation of teeth. His preferred component? Products containing nano-hydroxyapatite, a substance akin to natural tooth enamel.

He emphasized that modern techniques aim to recreate enamel in a manner that closely resembles the natural development of teeth. His preferred ingredient? Formulations containing nano-hydroxyapatite, a substance akin to genuine tooth enamel.

Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of overall nutrition, which should also enhance enamel well-being. Ensure you’re obtaining sufficient vitamins D3 and K2, which, according to Hoss, aid in directing calcium to its rightful place. Vitamin D, generated when sunlight interacts with your skin, can also be sourced from mushrooms, egg yolks, fatty fish, and various fortified dairy products, non-dairy alternatives, and yogurt. Vitamin K2, which is not found naturally but produced by bacteria, is linked to fermented items like cheese and animal foods such as poultry.

"Oral wellness is optimized when local care and systemic health are in harmony," he remarked.

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