Despite the advancement of general dentistry and the easy availability of dental care products, gum disease and tooth decay are still far too common. Part of the reason for this is misinformation. You can only take care of your teeth if you know what they need. Here, Carter S. Yokoyama, D.D.S. of Kailua-Kona, HI, addresses five common beliefs that may be hurting your teeth.

General Dentistry Myths

1. Brushing Twice a Day Is Enough

This is a general recommendation which can backfire. Yes, in most cases, you should be brushing at least twice a day—but, if you're not doing a thorough job, frequent brushing still won't protect you from tooth decay. Spend a full minute each time you brush, and make sure you're reaching all your tooth surfaces.

2. Too Much Brushing Will Damage Your Enamel

Again, this is partly true, but, in reality, very few people will ever brush often or hard enough to need restorative dentistry. If you're concerned, use a soft bristled brush, and be gentle and thorough.

3. Flossing Isn't Important

No matter how well you brush, your toothbrush bristles won't clean the plaque from between your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque and reduces the risk of cavities in these narrow gaps.

4. If My Teeth Don't Hurt, They're Healthy

Ideally, any cavities should be treated long before they're serious enough to cause pain. If you have a toothache which stops hurting, that doesn't mean the problem has gone away.

5. My Dentist Won't Tell Me Anything I Don't Already Know

You rarely get a close look at your molars or the backsides of your teeth, which is one reason general dentistry is so important. Your dentist will spot problems long before you feel them and can treat many of them before they start.

If you haven't had a dental appointment in a while, contact the office of Carter S. Yokoyama, D.D.S. today. You can reach them by calling (808) 322-0101. Visit the general dentistry online to see an image gallery of patients they’ve helped.