It's generally well understood that good oral hygiene consists of frequent brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups. The foods you eat also play a significant role in the health and preservation of your teeth. While sugary foods are known to promote decay, other foods may actually protect the health of your teeth.
Considerations
The American Dental Association (ADA) says your teeth depend on the foods you eat for their overall health just like the rest of your body does. The ADA says some foods, like milk and some cheeses, actually help protect the teeth and guard against decay. A healthy smile consists of eating well-balanced meals that are made up of foods from the major food groups. These are breads, cereal grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, and milk, yogurt or cheese.
Sugar
Sugary snacks, such as fruit bars and soft drinks, can have detrimental effects on your teeth. Repeatedly consuming sugary treats feeds bacteria in the mouth which exposes tooth enamel to the harmful effects of acid. Keep in mind that refined foods, such as starchy crackers and chips, can also have high sugar content.
Timing
Sugary or starchy foods that are consumed with a meal are less harmful to your teeth than when they're eaten alone. KidsHealth.org says this may be because the production of saliva, which rinses away the sugar and bacteria, is increased. Eating sugary foods before you go to bed can cause the most harm to your teeth because your body produces less saliva while you sleep.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can wreak havoc on your teeth, as well as your health in general. Strong acids are used by the digestive system to break down food. When a binge eater, who consumes large amounts of food in a short period of time, purges food from her body, these acids damage her tooth enamel. Continuous vomiting can wear down tooth enamel.
Prevention/Solution
A healthy diet for dental care requires eating nutritious foods, particularly those high in calcium and low in acids and sugars. If you aren't able to brush your teeth immediately after eating, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, or chew sugarless gum.
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