Tooth decay forms because certain types of bacteria in a person’s mouth consume sugar from human food and produces a small amount of acid, which can break down the protective enamel layer of the teeth. By constantly drinking acidic drinks, such as juice, soda and sport drinks, it has the same affect, making the deeper layers of the tooth vulnerable to bacterial infiltration and infection.

However, research out of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and published in the Journal of the American Dental Association shows that by using “food sequencing,” or eating foods in a certain order, people can prevent the onset of cavities by changing the pH, or acidity, of their mouths.