Left untreated, what's termed "early dental caries" -- the first stage of tooth decay -- can destroy tiny teeth and lead to infection, pain, and lifelong consequences.

CNN: Baby's teeth: What you should know

Dental erosion involves demineralisation where teeth are attacked by acids and tooth enamel is consequently worn away.

BBC: Tea 'good for teeth'

"The fact she had her teeth extracted several years before her death because of what her family believed was Coke-induced tooth decay, and the fact that one or more of her children were born without enamel on their teeth, should have been treated by her, and by her family, as a warning, " TVNZ quotes his statement as saying.

BBC: Coca-Cola bottles (Archive shot)

Of those on board, 25% had no significant tooth decay, leading Admiral Lippiett to suggest the "shape of their teeth was far better than in today's society".

BBC: NEWS | UK | Magazine | Just what did the Mary Rose tell us?

They include human teeth, the skull of a woolly rhinoceros, mammoth tusks and a tooth, flint tools and the antler of a giant deer.

BBC: Jersey Post mammoth stamps mark archaeological history

If you are removing it for prevention of tooth decay or periodontal disease such as gingivitis, which destroys the root and makes the teeth fall out then I believe it's best at night.

WSJ: How to Be a Better Flosser