When asked to create a list of foods and drinks that may lead to cavities and tooth decay, it's not too hard to begin thinking of things right away. At the top of the list, many people would likely write down various forms of candy, sugary sodas, and baked goods. If pressed to think harder, some may calculate the sugar levels in their favorite products, even writing down seemingly healthy juices as potential hazards to oral health. Most lists would include one common theme: sugar leads to tooth decay. While this is certainly true, there are actually other generally unknown sources that can cause the health of your teeth to take a downhill climb. Prepare to be amazed and shocked, and get ready to protect yourself from tooth decay in a whole new way:

Milk

From childhood, parents and caregivers drill the connections of drinking milk, calcium, and healthy bones into the minds of their children. Because the drink is generally regarded as healthy (and it truly is), most people are unaware of the potentially damaging properties it could have upon the teeth of their children.

Most parents give their child a bottle right before a nap, but the reality is that the natural sugars found within that milk can have a debilitating effect on the infant's teeth while they sleep. Don't get confused: milk (especially breast milk) is a nutritious part of your newborn's diet-- but it shouldn't be left to sit there during sleep. Simply wiping the gums or any visible teeth with a damp cloth can help to wipe away any dangerous bacteria that could still be lingering.

Swimming Pools

Are you familiar with swimmer's calculus? Despite what it may sound like, the condition has nothing to do with completing advanced math in a pool. As you probably know, chlorine and other chemicals are added in most pools to create sanitary swimming conditions for the public-- but long exposure to the chemicals can cause unsightly brown deposits on your teeth.

In order to combat this problem, those who swim on a regular basis should see a dentist more often. By scheduling the additional dental visits, your teeth can be cleaned of any proteins that may have begun to form there, helping you to avoid a long term issue. Additionally, wearing a mouth guard over your teeth while swimming can help to slow the process significantly, so consider the investment carefully-- your oral health is worth it.

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