Brushing and flossing your teeth every day and visiting the dentist will help you maintain good oral health. However, if you believe some common misconceptions about dental care, you can inadvertently hurt your teeth and gums. Here are a few dental myths to stop believing.

3 Myths About Oral Health Care

1. Gum Disease Only Affects the Mouth

This disease can affect several parts of your body, in addition to your teeth and gums. If the oral health condition isn’t treated by a dentist promptly, the bacteria will travel to your bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the heart’s vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

2. Brushing Harder Is Better

Some people are under the false impression that the harder they brush, the cleaner their teeth will be. However, aggressive brushing can do more harm than good. If you brush with too much force, you’ll wear the protective enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay. To avoid this issue, brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

3. Visiting a Dentist Isn’t Necessary If There Aren’t Any Issues

Although nothing is bothering you at the moment, it doesn’t mean that dental issues aren’t present. For example, cavities typically aren’t painful in the early stages. However, if you wait until you feel discomfort to see a dentist, you may need a root canal instead of a simple filling. If you visit a dentist every six months for a checkup, they’ll detect issues before they get out of control.

If you have additional questions about your oral health, turn to Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, in Kaneohe, HI. This skilled dentist and her knowledgeable team provide a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine cleaning or teeth whitening, they’ll take care of you in a comfortable and caring environment. Learn more about their treatments online, or call (808) 235-2121 to schedule an appointment.