Throughout the day, a tug of war takes place inside our mouths.
On one team are dental plaque—plus foods and drinks that contain sugar or starch (such as milk, bread, cookies, candy, soda, juice, and many others). When we eat or drink something that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria use them to produce acids. These acids begin to eat away at the tooth’s hard outer surface, or enamel.
On the other team are the minerals in our saliva plus fluoride from toothpaste, water, and other sources. This team helps enamel repair itself by replacing minerals lost during an “acid attack.”
Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and an examination to check for cavities!