Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacterial called plaque. Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.

Following a meal or snack, the bacterial release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in cavities. Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Brushing and cleaning between teeth become more difficult when tartar collects above the gum line. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.

Preventing Decay:

• To prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush . Pay particular attention to the space where the gums and teeth meet. Use a fluoride

• Floss between teeth at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria.

• See your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a check-up and teeth cleaning.

• Ask your dentist if a dental sealant is appropriate for you. Dental sealants are a thin, plastic coating that are painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from cavities and decay.

• Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit, or raw vegetables. Vegetables, such as celery, help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque-causing acids.