Because your teeth help you do these important jobs, you should take good care of them. Eating the right foods is important to the health of your teeth. Your teeth need healthy food just like the rest of your body. What your teeth don't need is too much sugar. Eating too many foods that are high in sugar or that break down into sugar, can hurt your teeth and cause tooth decay.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and sugar.
The bacteria in your mouth changes sugar into an acid that hurts your teeth. The bacteria can also stay on your teeth in a sticky film called plaque. Plaque can hurt your teeth and the gums that hold your teeth in place. Brushing your teeth regularly and properly with a good toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste helps scrub away plaque and food on and between your teeth.