our body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you "fill up" affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums. Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. A proper program of diet, exercise, freedom from stress, and sensible living habits will insure that your teeth will last for a lifetime.

• Fresh Fruits
  Fresh fruit is probably the very best choice you can make for dental health. Fresh fruit stimulates saliva, which decreases the amount of acid in your mouth. Further, saliva helps wash away unwanted food particles. Apples are probably the best fruit to eat for healthy teeth. Not only do they provide the benefits described above, but they also contain a natural cleansing abrasive that basically helps polish your teeth.
• Carrots and Celery (Ajmud)
  These two fiber filled vegetables are excellent for your teeth because they serve to stimulate the gums, which is crucial for dental health.
• Dairy Products
  Calcium is a prime ingredient for building strong teeth, especially for growing children. Dairy is a great source, with choices such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. And calcium isn't hiding in the fat, so skim milk and low-fat yogurt are just as good.
• Whole grains
  Whole grains provide B vitamins and iron, which help keep gums healthy. Whole grains have magnesium which is an important ingredient for bones and teeth.
• Sugarless Gum
  
  The main benefit of sugarless gum is that it serves as a saliva stimulant. More saliva in your mouth will lessen chance of unwanted food particles. This avoids cavities and gum disease. Further, sugarless gum won't harm tooth enamel.
• Water
  Water flushes away food particles, and it contains flouride which helps keep enamel strong.

• Black Coffee/Tea: Those daily cups of java that you love are dimming your smile. The darker the drink, the worse it is for your teeth.
• Red wine: It contains polyphenols which are responsible for causing tooth staining and the alcohol in red wine is highly acidic and wears away tooth enamel, exposing the soft yellow dentin underneath.
• Popsicles (Ice-lolly): Popsicles are a colorful summertime favorite, but those dyes that color your lips and tongue funny colors are also staining your teeth.
• Soy Sauce: It may be good on rice, but it isn't good on your teeth. Soy sauce sticks to teeth and its deep colored pigments can cause bad stains.
• Sugary foods: Sugars are not good for teeth. Minimize foods that contain sugars. It's better if you have all your sugar at once, than to distribute it throughout the day.

• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Make sure water is readily available and drink water more often.
• Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar.
• Brush thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss or use another kind of interdental cleaner daily to remove plaque  from under the gums and between teeth.
• Schedule regular dental visits for checkup and cleaning.