You brush twice a day and floss once-a-day and regularly visit your dentist, so you must be doing everything possible to lower your risk of tooth decay, or are you? Good preventative dental care is only part of the equation as your diet does matter.

While most people are well aware that eating lots of sugary foods increases the risk of cavities, it also matters how frequently you consume these items. It would be impossible for many of us to cut out sweet treats altogether, but being a bit smarter about when you eat them can make all the difference.

The main problem is frequent snacking as this raises acidity levels in the mouth for longer periods of time, increasing acid erosion and the risk of cavities. Acid erosion will gradually thin tooth enamel, eventually causing tooth decay.

Choosing to eat any sugary foods as part of a main meal can help a lot, and the same goes for foods that are naturally acidic. If you want a snack, choose foods rich in calcium such as cheese or sugar-free yoghurts, or opt for fresh veggies and yoghurt based dips or hummus.

After you have eaten, wait at least half an hour before brushing as this allows the mouth to become less acidic, reducing your risk of acid erosion and tooth decay.