If children do not have a balanced diet, their teeth may not develop properly. For strong Decay resistant teeth, children need protein, vitamins and minerals (especially calcium, phosphorus and proper levels of flouride.)

Plaque is a thin sticky bacteria laden film that constantly forms on teeth. When you eat foods or drink liquids containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in the plaque product acids that attack tooth enamel. After repeated attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms. If you often indulge in sugary or starch foods or liquids, the result may be tooth decay and possible tooth loss.

If your diet is low in certain nutrients, it may be harder for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. This may contribute to periodontal (gum) disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Although poor nutrition does not actually cause periodontal disease, researchers think that a poor diet may allow the disease to progress more rapidly and become more severe.

Oral changes associated with aging, including depressed levels of taste and smell perception that result in appetite decline, can have a significant effect on dental health. The sense of taste for salt and bitterness in food declines with age, but not for sweet and sour. Older adults should add seasonings to their food instead of relying on an excessive intake of salt and sugar.

Get in the habit of checking food labels for sugar content. Avoid between meal snacks that contain sugars. Avoid sipping soda containing sugars throughout the day. Diet sodas are fine, but regular sodas contain massive amounts of sugar. Avoid sugar contained in cough drops, hard candy, breath mints, and even most anti-acid tablets as these stay in the mouth a relatively long time and are heavy with sugar. The prolonged acid attacks on your teeth resulting from these sugar intakes, greatly increase the likelihood of tooth decay. Research indicates that certain foods such as cheese, peanuts, or sugar-free gum may actually be "tooth friendly". Eating these foods may actually help to counteract the effects of acids.