Brushing your teeth every day isn’t enough to prevent gum disease and cavities through adulthood. Practicing additional preventative dentistry techniques will protect you from tooth decay and ensure excellent oral health. The team at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, provides an array of top-quality treatments to Pulaski County residents and offers dental care advice to help adults avoid tooth and gum damage.

4 Tips for Effective Preventative Dentistry

Avoid Smoking & Drinking Alcohol

Smoking or chewing tobacco products doesn’t just discolor your teeth — it can lead to mouth, throat, and tongue cancer as well as other health complications such as heart disease. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk of dental decay and gum disease that could result in tooth loss. Avoid tobacco and alcohol products if possible or brush and floss thoroughly after you consume them.

Visit a Dentist Twice a Year

Getting a checkup twice a year is an essential step of preventative dentistry. Your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from areas of your teeth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush and floss, reducing your risk of developing periodontal disease. They also will check for cavities, tooth decay, and any signs of serious diseases such as oral cancer.

Use Mouthwash

After meals, rinse with a bacteria-fighting mouthwash. It will reduce plaque buildup and make your breath smell fresh. Choose one with fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce your risk of cavities. 

Don’t Eat Before Going to Bed

Never eat or drink anything but water before bed when you already have brushed and flossed your teeth for the night. When you sleep, your mouth produces less saliva, which means food particles stuck to your teeth have a better chance of causing a cavity.

If you want to develop better preventative dentistry practices, count on the friendly team at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, for treatment and advice. Call (606) 679-4450 to schedule an appointment for dental care and visit their website for more information about their services, including veneers, chipped tooth repair, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.