There are two primary properties of food that cause problems for your teeth: sugar and acid. Everyone’s teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Following a snack or meal that is full of either sugar or simple carbohydrates, the bacteria feed on them and release acids that attack tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the thin, hard, outer coating of your teeth. It is fraction of a millimeter thick and will not grow back once it’s chipped or eaten away by acid. You need to keep as much of your enamel as possible because it helps maintain the tooth’s structure and protects it from decay. Repeated attacks will cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in cavities. Some foods are naturally acidic. Bacteria isn’t necessary for these foods to do damage to your teeth. The acid in these foods go directly at the enamel with the same result: cavities.
