☰
  • Why Us
    • Our Unique Approach
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • State-of-the-Art Dentistry
    • Accreditations & Awards
    • Doctors and Crew
    • Military Support
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Community Sponsorship
  • In The News
    • News & Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • New Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Pediatric Dental Services
    • Dental Sealants for Kids
    • Kids Cavities & Child Tooth Decay Treatment
    • Pre/Post-Opp Instructions
    • Locations
  • Orthodontics
    • Orthodontic Services
    • Congratulations on your Orthodontic Journey
    • Clear Aligners
    • Braces
    • Locations
  • Parent Dentistry
    • Parent Dentistry Services
      • Digital X-Rays
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Parent Dentistry Post Op
    • Locations
  • Patient Resources
    • All Resources
    • Blog
    • Fun Stuff/Videos
      • Super Music!
    • Patient Education
      • The Super Toothbrush
      • Augmented Reality
      • Infographic Library
    • Convenient Hours
    • Self-Service Solutions
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Parent’s Checklist
    • FAQs
  • Locations
    • All Locations
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Eastlake
    • Chula Vista
    • Escondido
    • Carmel Valley
    • Oceanside

The Super Dentists

Call or Text1 (855) GO SUPER (467-8737)

San Diego Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentists

En Español
We have the best appointment availability in our newest locations, Carmel Valley & Escondido
Book an Appointment Check In  Virtual Super Lounge
  • Why Us
    • Our Unique Approach
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • State-of-the-Art Dentistry
    • Accreditations & Awards
    • Doctors and Crew
    • Military Support
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Community Sponsorship
  • In The News
    • News & Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • New Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Pediatric Dental Services
    • Dental Sealants for Kids
    • Kids Cavities & Child Tooth Decay Treatment
    • Pre/Post-Opp Instructions
    • Locations
  • Orthodontics
    • Orthodontic Services
    • Congratulations on your Orthodontic Journey
    • Clear Aligners
    • Braces
    • Locations
  • Parent Dentistry
    • Parent Dentistry Services
      • Digital X-Rays
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Parent Dentistry Post Op
    • Locations
  • Patient Resources
    • All Resources
    • Blog
    • Fun Stuff/Videos
      • Super Music!
    • Patient Education
      • The Super Toothbrush
      • Augmented Reality
      • Infographic Library
    • Convenient Hours
    • Self-Service Solutions
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Parent’s Checklist
    • FAQs
  • Locations
    • All Locations
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Eastlake
    • Chula Vista
    • Escondido
    • Carmel Valley
    • Oceanside

Times of San Diego I Opinion: It’s Past Time to Take Your Child to the Dentist

by The Super Dentists

By Dr. Kami Hoss

The last 12 months have been tough on everyone, especially those with young children. If navigating a global pandemic isn’t hard enough, add on virtual learning, ever-changing school, and sports restrictions, making sure your kids are wearing masks and washing their hands, all while trying to stay sane. I get it! As a father myself, my heart goes out to every parent that is juggling it all.

Opinion logo

So it comes as no surprise that perhaps this year you skipped your child’s dental exam. Let me tell you why it’s time to reconsider that.

Your Child’s Oral Health Is Part of Their Overall Health

As an orthodontist and co-founder of the pediatric group dental practice The Super Dentists, I can assure you that delaying or ignoring pediatric dental issues can only make things worse. In fact, 42% of children aged 2-11 will develop cavities. When these go unnoticed, dental decay can spread to nerves faster on children than adults because the enamel on baby teeth is thinner.

Orthodontic problems, similarly, have a limited time window for optimal treatment too. Once that window closes, options for treatment become restricted and alternative solutions may be more invasive and cost significantly more. The results may, unfortunately, be subpar as well.

Your child’s oral health can also impact their sleep quality (if they’re in pain, they won’t sleep as soundly), which can in turn affect their performance at school and other activities. And one of the most compelling reasons to take care of your kid’s teeth is also one of the most heartbreaking: a leading reason kids are bullied or teased at school is because of their teeth.

 

Reimagining Dentistry During COVID-19

A year ago this month, we had just finished celebrating the grand opening of The Super Dentists in Escondido, our sixth and largest location yet. My staff and I were thrilled to start serving a new part of the county on the importance of oral health.  Little did we know what was to come.

When the pandemic hit, The Super Dentists followed the mandatory shutdown orders by the state, leaving only the central office in Kearny Mesa open for patients needing emergency dental care. Those early days were challenging for us, as it was for most people. We had several long days leveraging relationships to keep stock of precious PPE and hand sanitizer.

While we were in lockdown, my staff and I became highly focused (dare I say obsessed?) with outfitting our offices with the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art safety equipment out there. The health and safety of our patients was and remains our number one priority. We upgraded our HVAC systems and invested in high-tech air filtration with UV light technology, exceeding public health guidelines. We also minimized all our patient-facing processes, and now offer many digital/virtual/paperless options to limit physical interactions.

As we optimistically look ahead to when it’s safe to be social again, we plan to emerge from COVID-19 by picking up where we left off with a grand opening celebration for our Escondido office, as well as events to celebrate our 25th anniversary in San Diego with the community.

Key Takeaways

If there is anything I can impart to you for Children’s Oral Health Month, it’s to remember to give your teeth some extra love and care. Oral health extends far beyond our mouths; it impacts our lung health, cardiovascular system, confidence, appearance, and ultimately, our quality of life.

Here’s to brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. And to your children’s beautiful smiles.

Dr. Kami Hoss is a San Diego-based orthodontist and dentofacial orthopedist, author, and founder of The Super Dentists and Howard Healthcare Academy.

This Op-Ed was originally posted on Times of San Diego.com on 2/19/21. 

Times of San Diego I Opinion: It’s Past Time to Take Your Child to the Dentist was last modified: February 19th, 2021 by The Super Dentists

Category: In The News

About the Super Dentists

The Super Dentists are San Diego’s largest and most trusted Pediatric Dentist, Orthodontic and Parent Dentistry practice. We create the most unique and out-of-this-world dental experience for children and their parents. We are the only dental practice where kids ask, and even beg, their parents to take them to the dentist - imagine that! We offer the newest technologies for the most comfortable, safe and effective dental treatments. The Super Dentists accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal, and is available on the weekends and for emergencies. With 6 locations throughout San Diego and growing, the practice gives back to our communities whenever possible by hosting free quarterly events, and complimentary dental care to those in need.

Related Articles

Dr. Kami

Seminar – Your Complete Guide to Oral Care Products

by The Super Dentists

REGISTER ON YANKEE DENTAL Date: Saturday 1/28/2023 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Course Code: 685SL Cost: No Charge Room Location: BCEC Exhibit Floor Cl... Read More

Category: Dental Health

Dr Hoss

Pediatricians Update Guidelines for Children’s Dental ...

by The Super Dentists

READ ON HEALTHLINE Michelle Pugle About 40% of children in the United States experience tooth decay known as dental caries by age 19. The factors behin... Read More

Category: Dental Health

How Bad Is It Really to Share a Toothbrush?

by The Super Dentists

READ ON LIVESTRONG Jessica Migala We've all been caught without a toothbrush. You're vacationing at a house rental, camping or staying at a friend's or da... Read More

Category: Dental Health

Schedule an appointment or have questions?

Call Us
1 (855) GO SUPER
or Text 1 (844) 765-1234

Connect With The Super Dentists

Get our newsletters!

KidsFest dates

  • 05/29
  • 06/12
  • 06/26
  • 07/10
  • 07/17
  • 07/31
  • 08/21
  • 09/11
  • 10/02
  • Why The Super Dentists
  • Orthodontist
  • PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
  • Parent & Adult Dentistry
  • Patient Resources
  • New Dental Technology & Services
  • FAQ
  • San Diego Area Pediatric Dentist Locations
    • Carmel Valley
    • Chula Vista
    • Eastlake
    • Escondido
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Oceanside
  • Contact Us
  • Career Opportunities
  • Super Kids’ Club
  • Blog
  • Sitemap

© 2023 The Super Dentists. All Rights Reserved.

  • Why Us
    • Our Unique Approach
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • State-of-the-Art Dentistry
    • Accreditations & Awards
    • Doctors and Crew
    • Military Support
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Community Sponsorship
  • In The News
    • News & Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • New Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Pediatric Dental Services
    • Dental Sealants for Kids
    • Kids Cavities & Child Tooth Decay Treatment
    • Pre/Post-Opp Instructions
    • Locations
  • Orthodontics
    • Orthodontic Services
    • Congratulations on your Orthodontic Journey
    • Clear Aligners
    • Braces
    • Locations
  • Parent Dentistry
    • Parent Dentistry Services
      • Digital X-Rays
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Parent Dentistry Post Op
    • Locations
  • Patient Resources
    • All Resources
    • Blog
    • Fun Stuff/Videos
      • Super Music!
    • Patient Education
      • The Super Toothbrush
      • Augmented Reality
      • Infographic Library
    • Convenient Hours
    • Self-Service Solutions
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Parent’s Checklist
    • FAQs
  • Locations
    • All Locations
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Eastlake
    • Chula Vista
    • Escondido
    • Carmel Valley
    • Oceanside