Why does Dad say that junk food will give me cavities?

Cookies, candy, cake and lots of other sweet foods are made with sugar. Many kids love foods made with sugar. But so do some bacteria! Bacteria are tiny living creatures. The only way to see them is with a microscope. They live almost everywhere, including in your body.

The bacteria in your mouth form plaque. Plaque sticks to your teeth. Plaque eats up sugar, just like you do. When plaque eats sugar, though, it makes acid. Acid attacks tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hard outside part of your tooth. Acid makes holes in your tooth enamel. These holes are cavities.

That's why it's so important to brush your teeth. Brushing helps get rid of the sugar that makes acid. It also scrubs off the acid. Brushing your teeth and eating healthy foods help prevent cavities.

Why do I have to brush my teeth?
I want a SpongeBob SquarePants toothbrush, but my sister says Barbie toothbrushes are better. Do I have to listen to her?
Mom wants me to get a new toothbrush, but I LOVE my old Spider-Man toothbrush! How can I convince her that Spidey rules?
How often should I brush my teeth?
Why do we use toothpaste?
What is the best toothpaste?
What is fluoride?
Help! I'm supposed to floss, but I can't reach my back teeth! What do I do?