MANILA, Philippines?There?s nothing more attractive than a great smile. But to have the confidence to show off that smile requires healthy white teeth and fresh breath.

This is where good oral hygiene comes in. Brushing teeth three times a day, flossing every day (sometimes twice a day), and visiting the dentist every six months?they?re all part of the maintenance our teeth requires.

But why is it that some people, no matter how well they seem to take care of their teeth, are still plagued by cavities and gum problems?

?This can be caused by acidic saliva,? says Dr. Rowena Marzo, a dentist who also specializes in orthodontics and tooth implants. ?The low pH level in the mouth weakens teeth and makes it more prone to tooth decay. PH levels drop after consuming acidic food or drink, like coffee, tea or juice, and can cause irreversible damage to the teeth?s enamel. To maintain a balanced pH, drink water regularly to neutralize the acidity in your mouth.?

Cutting off certain food or drinks from our diet may be going too far, but choosing some food over others can be beneficial to the teeth.

Marzo explains, ?Candy has sugar that quickly makes the saliva acidic. Switching to chocolate, which is milk-based, can be a better alternative. Also, popcorn makes a healthier snack option because the fibers clean your teeth as you eat them.?

Other foods that are good for our teeth are calcium-enriched milk, cheese and yogurt, and non-acidic fresh fruits and vegetables like apple and broccoli. Sugarless gum can be helpful as well as it stimulates the flow of saliva, which decreases the acid in the mouth.

Finally, taking supplements like calcium and vitamin C can strengthen teeth and gums and keep them healthy.

Useful guide to food and beverage acidity

Food pH* Beverage pH*
 Lime 1.8-2.0 Ginger ale 2.0-4.0
 Pineapple 3.3-5.2 Lemon juice 2.3
 Honey 3.9 Soft drinks 2.8-3.3
 Mayonnaise 4.2-4.5 Iced tea 3.0
 Banana 4.5-5.2 Sports drinks 3.0
 Carrots 4.9-5.2 Apple juice 3.4-4.0
 Pork 5.3-6.9 Beer and wine 3.5-4.3
 Potatoes 6.1 Orange juice 3.6-4.3
 Salmon 6.1-6.3 Prune juice 3.7
 Chicken 6.5-6.7 Hot tea/coffee 4.0
 Shrimp 6.8-7.0 Tomato juice 4.2-4.9
 Biscuits 7.1-7.3 Buttermilk 4.5
 Sponge cake 7.3-76 Milk 6.3-8.5

Adapted from:

* FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Bad Bug Book.
ASDA Facts Sheet?Soft drinks, sports drinks and dental erosion.