Tips for Healthy Teeth and Cavity Prevention from a Cleveland, Ohio Dental Medical Malpractice Lawyer June 22, 2012.
By reducing dental visits to only regular dental cleanings and checkups, and practicing cavity prevention – you can avoid filing a dental malpractice claim. A Cleveland,Ohio dental medical malpractice lawyer can help if you need to file a claim.
Incorporating just a couple of the following dietary and lifestyle changes can improve your oral health, promote healthy teeth, and reduce the number of dental procedures that you may need.
- Change when you eat sweets. Most people have a difficult time giving up sweets completely, so a better idea is to make sure you consume sweets only with meals. Every time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth release harmful lactic acid that begins the demineralization of your teeth’s enamel and dentin. It takes about 30-40 minutes for the saliva in your mouth to neutralize the lactic acid, so don’t wait to eat your dessert later.
- Consume healthy teeth-promoting snacks. Low-sugar and non-sticky foods such as plain yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, and raw vegetables with hummus or vegetable dip are good choices for cavity prevention.
- Don’t rush on brushing your teeth. Right after a meal is when your teeth are their most vulnerable, so wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after meals, and remember to brush your teeth, gums and tongue for at least 2 minutes total.
- Floss before brushing. By flossing first, you open the space between your teeth, enabling the fluoride in your toothpaste to coat one of the most susceptible spots for cavity development protectively.
- Sanitize your toothbrush. Reduce the bacteria that enter your mouth by rinsing your toothbrush with water after brushing and storing it upright in a well-lit location to keep bacteria growth minimized. Generally, replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months or more frequently if it shows signs of wear and tear.
If one too many visits to the dentist has resulted in an injury because of a dentist’s error, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and financial loss you’ve suffered. Call the Cleveland law firm of Mellino Law Firm at (440) 333-3800 and speak with an attorney about your options.