Sugar is the main cause of dental decay when there are bacteria present. More significant than the amount of sugar you eat is how often you consume it.
Probably the worst thing you can do for your teeth is to sip soda every few minutes for a prolonged period of time or to snack on sugary foods frequently. Eating or drinking something sweet in this manner creates a constant supply of sugar for bacteria that causes tooth decay. When the sugar and bacteria mix, this creates an acidic pH in the mouth which will lead to an increased decay risk.
It is important to recognize all the sources of sugar that are out there. It is not just everything that is sweet, but anything that can turn to sugar, such as carbohydrates. Cutting down on the amount of sugar you consume is not only beneficial for cavity prevention, but is also better for you health. So what do you do when you want to have sugar?
The best thing you can do to avoid cavities is to prevent the sugar from staying in contact with the teeth. If you are going to drink a soda, or have something sweet to eat limit how much you have. The next important factor would be to consume it quickly. Afterwards, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with a fluoride rinse, or if those options are not available, even rinsing your mouth with water can help. Remember, nothing has the effect of avoiding sugar!
Acidic foods can also damage your teeth. Things such as limes, lemons, and grapefruits would fall in this category. If in contact with your teeth frequently, they can cause irreversible damage to tooth enamel.
Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and drug use such as, methamphetamines, acid, anticonvulsant medications, opiates, phenylethylamines, and cocaine can also lead to overall oral health complications.