Dentists Say These Are the 10 Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Oral health doesn't stop after leaving the dentist's chair. Certain foods and dietary habits can derail our efforts to keep our smiles beautiful and, more importantly, healthy. While professionals can generally help our teeth become stronger with fillings and crowns, you can prevent any costly repairs by focusing on best oral care practices at home—this includes a balanced diet.

If you're noticing that your teeth are increasingly sensitive, you may want to think about what you're eating on a regular basis. Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson, DDS, MPH, a pediatric dentist at Indiana University's Riley Children's Health, says plaque occurs when sugars found in foods cause bacteria in the mouth to release acids that can seriously wear down enamel. "Plaque bacteria doesn't discriminate on the kinds of sugar it interacts with—even if you're eating an organic item that contains natural sugars, it can still help develop acid that leads to enamel decay and overall sensitivity down the road," Vinson says. A loss of enamel can lead to cavities, which is the most common chronic disease for Americans between six and 19 years old. Left unchecked, cavities can develop into serious complications like tooth abscesses that require a trip to an oral surgeon.

And there are some dietary habits that could chip or crack even the strongest teeth, Vinson says. "Teeth are made for chewing through food—and not anything harder than food," she explains. "The structure of a tooth isn't made to sustain the force required to break things like ice apart." Unconscious chewing can be just as damaging as eating sugar and acidic items galore.

Thankfully, Vinson says you don't have to completely eliminate the following foods from your diet: "They're only problematic when it becomes a regular habit," she says. In addition to Vinson, we polled leading dentists around the country on the foods that can either chemically degrade your teeth, or physically cause damage when eaten regularly. Plus, the experts also shared advice on how to minimize any harm done when you do indulge in these items.