Diet And Teeth:

1. Flourides:
   Adequate consumption of calcium, phosphorus, flouride and vitamins A, C, and D is vital. Though most of these are present in a normal balanced diet, flouride needs to be supplemented. Flouride helps in resisting decay.
2. Carbohydrates:
   Caries(tooth decay) and the intake of refined carbohydrates like flour, sugar and other carbohydrates are closely related. Refined carbohydrates become sticky quickly and cling to the teeth for a long time. As they can be easily broken down to acids by the bacteria, they are primarily responsible for tooth decay. Stick to natural unprocessed foods-fats, cereals, meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits and cheese. Use sugar substitutes like saccharin as they do not cause caries.
3. Other Foodstuffs:
   Regular consumption of acidic food stuff like carbonated drinks and synthetic fruit juices causes erosions of the teeth. Ending meals with fibrous food dishes like salads, help in cleansing, as they remove food debris from the teeth.

Common Dental Problems:

1. Dental Caries (Tooth Decay):
   The disease in the hard parts of the teeth, which leads to it's disintegration is Tooth decay. Tooth decay can be prevented by reducing the amount of sugar we eat. Though brushing alone does not eradicate decay it does stop the plaque film from building up further.
2. Plaque:
   Plaque is a film of bacteria, which forms on the tooth surfaces. It is a common factor for the cause of dental caries. The areas where the brush cannot reach, like pits and fissures in between the teeth, are the places where plaque remains. Flourides helps to prevent tooth decay. Research shows that people who live in an area, which has an optimal level of flouride in the water, suffer much less from tooth decay. Most toothpastes in the market contain flouride.
3. Gum Inflammation:
   Gum Inflammation or Pyorrhoea is a very common disease. Usually there is bleeding of gums, especially while brushing the teeth, and bad breath. Oral hygiene and inter-dental cleaning is the most important preventive measure. Specially, for smokers, who have a poor oral hygiene as compared to non-smokers.