“Tooth Decay Doesn’t Need to be the World’s Most Common Disease,” Says Dr. Kami Hoss

Dental diseases are the most widespread non-communicable diseases on Earth: the World Health Organization said it repeatedly. And yet, it’s still flying under the radar. A staggering 1 billion people globally suffer from untreated dental decay. In the U.S. alone, the CDC reports that nearly half (46%) of children between ages 2 and 19 have untreated or restored cavities. Meanwhile, 20% of kids up to age 12 are already struggling with tooth decay.  

What’s worse is that the mouth is sometimes treated as a separate entity from the rest of the body, relegated to the care of dentists, and often excluded from broader discussions about systemic health. But, according to Dr. Kami Hoss, a nationally recognized dental expert, co-founder of The Super Dentists, and author of the bestselling book If Your Mouth Could Talk, this crisis is preventable. And he’s built an entire universe around making the solution fun and accessible. 

At the heart of The Super Dentists’ philosophy is placing pediatric patients, not dental services, at the center of the care model. With over 400 dental professionals and multiple locations, the practice has reimagined what it means to go to the dentist. “The second most common fear in the world, right after public speaking, is the dentist,” says Dr. Hoss. “If we’re serious about solving oral health, we have to address that fear early.” 

That’s why walking into The Super Dentists feels more like entering a theme park than a clinic. Children meet superheroes and villains, engage with games and movies, and are greeted by staff in costume. There are interactive slides, immersive stories, and even animated series, all designed to build positive, joyful associations with oral care. 

But Dr. Hoss didn’t just redesign the office. He redefined the customer for pediatric dentistry. “I used to think our customer was the parent,” he admits. “But the real customer is the child. If we can win over the child and make them feel safe, seen, and happy, the parents feel that confidence in a dentist.” 

For Dr. Hoss, the deeper issue stems from the fact that dentists sometimes lack training in prevention. He shares, “Dentists are taught how to fix a cavity, but they may not have been taught what goes into preventing mouth disease in the first place. This is a huge area where I believe the industry can improve, and that’s part of what we’re trying to achieve.” 

To fill this gap, he launched SuperMouth, a companion company focused on high-tech preventative oral care products. For example, SuperMouth engineers toothbrushes designed to fit various contours of a human mouth, along with UV-sanitizing holders, custom formulations for toothpaste, and educational tools. “Dental care products have lacked innovation for decades,” Dr. Hoss shares. “Every person and every mouth is different, but we all basically use the same products to clean our mouths: standard toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, and maybe floss. New innovations, backed by the latest research, are not reaching the people who need them. Our mission at SuperMouth is to change that.” 

Dr. Hoss also emphasizes the importance of the mouth for an individual’s overall health. “We never really consider the impact the mouth and the oral microbiome play in human health, which doesn’t make a lot of sense when we consider that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body.” Baby teeth, he shares, are often dismissed by parents because they are seen as temporary, having little lasting impact on the child. “This isn’t true,” Hoss says. “Baby teeth shape the jaw, guide adult teeth, and are an essential part of a child’s overall health and development.”  

Vitamin deficiencies, diet, sleep, stress, and routine all play roles in a human’s oral health. Dr. Hoss explains, “A lot of factors are involved that do not include sugar and brushing the teeth.” He points to the rise in issues such as teeth grinding, jaw disorders, and dry mouth as proof that the connection between the mouth and mind needs more attention. If the mouth is full of inflammation, bacteria, or pain, the body and brain are constantly under stress. The same is the case with vitamin D and K2 deficiencies, as children don’t spend enough time outdoors and eat too many processed foods. “They’re just not exposed to the right environment and habits, not getting enough sunlight, and not eating balanced diets. Over time, that takes a real toll. We need to build a system that prevents mouth disease in the first place. That’s how we turn the tide.” 

Dr. Hoss’ advocacy, whether through his book, conferences he attends, lectures he presents, or his dentistry, pushes for collaboration between medical professionals, educators, and parents to address oral health as a whole. “If we want to reduce chronic disease and improve quality of life, we have to start with the mouth.” 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.