The sugar you eat does two things to your teeth​—both bad. First, it feeds the bacteria in your mouth, and these produce acid that attacks your teeth. Second, it helps the bacteria to produce a sticky substance called plaque, which holds the bacteria and the acid safe and snug against your teeth for maximum damage. Recent studies, however, have unveiled some surprises that may at least help to control, if not eliminate, the plague of plaque. Here are some of the latest findings.

● It’s how often you eat, not how much. Your mouth is able gradually to neutralize the acid produced by the bacteria after you eat. In a few hours, the decaying action is stopped. But if you like to nibble on things throughout the day, the acid lingers on. So, better devour your sweets in one sitting, if you can’t do without them.

● Some foods are surprises. Cheddar cheese, for example, has a decay-slowing effect if it is eaten right along with or after sugar. The reason is yet unknown. Peanuts are harmless to your teeth. On the other hand, beware of potato chips​—they are worse than chocolate bars and caramels.

[Box on page 15]

DECAY-CAUSING POTENTIAL OF SNACK FOODS

With the cavity-causing power of white sugar expressed as 100, common snack foods are rated as below.

Cream-filled chocolate cookies 140

Confectioner’s sugar 100

Breakfast cereal with 8% sugar 96

Sugar-coated cereal (60% sugar) 94

Potato chips 84

Caramels 73

Chocolate bars 72

White powdered starch 45