Top 10 Worst and Top 10 Best Food for Your Teeth

The influence of food on your body begins before the food even gets to your stomach. The following lists contain the top 10 worst and then top 10 best foods for your teeth. Though it should be noted that without proper care, even the "best" foods could cause problems, while diligent oral hygiene will ameliorate effects of the worst. 

1. Though arguably not a "food" per-se, ice is worth mentioning since lots of people chew on ice. Ice can cause structural damage. Teeth are hard, but they have their limits. Cracked enamel due to ice chewing lets bacteria and plaque an easy access point for further tooth damage.
2. Avoid an excess of citrus foods such as oranges and lemons, especially if eaten in isolation. The acids will get to work on enamel if not neutralized or diluted with other, non-citrus foods. 
3. Go light on the sugary snacks. Sugar remnants on and between teeth provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria produce acids that corrode enamel, leading to cavities.
4. Fatty foods are a surprising cause of poor dental health. Anything that compromises the cardiovascular system will have an effect on the blood-rich gum tissue and jawbone that supports teeth. With time, the gum tissue starves and weakens. 
5. Salty foods and snacks suck up moisture. This is bad since saliva has disease and plaque-fighting properties. When there is less saliva to go around, germs and plaque get an advantage. 
6. Minimize alcoholic drinks and snacks, such as alcohol-containing candy or rum cakes. Aside from sugar often accompanying such drinks, alcohol also has a dehydrating effect much like salt. 
7. Be wary of excessive breads and bagels. Starchy carbs convert to sugars and encourage acid-producing bacteria. In addition, the stickiness of starchy, bread-like foods means that they are more liable to get stuck between teeth and in hard-to-reach spots. 
8. Avoid sticky foods such as caramels. Much like starchy foods, caramel candies or dried apricots are more likely to stick around and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. 
9. Vitamin tablets are surprisingly harmful. Upon chewing, an acid is released that can stick to teeth and cause damage. 
10. Soft drinks and sports drinks should be consumed in moderation. Once again, the rush of energy is due to sugar, some of which remains on teeth. 

1. Almonds and other nuts contain plenty of vitamins and calcium that helps to maintain resilient teeth and healthy gums. 
2. Upon consumption, cheese and similar dairy products significantly counteract harmful acids on and around teeth. 
3. Apples and other "crisp" fruits are generally healthy and also the mechanical action of eating such foods gently looses and scrapes plaque and bacteria layers without harm to enamel. 
4. Calcium and phosphorous-rich foods like bananas. If taken in moderation, considering the sugar content of such foods, mineral-rich foods such as these help maintain bone and dental health. 
5. Unsweetened cranberries contain complex organic chemicals that, even in small doses, can significantly disrupt plaque buildup. 
6. Milk is beneficial on account of the minerals and vitamins it brings into the body, but also because it can partially neutralize harmful acid. 
7. Stock up on mackerel and other foods rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D is critical to bone and tooth growth, meaning that more of Vitamin D in your diet translates to more resilient teeth. 
8. Go for some unsweetened strawberries. The vitamin C is great for blood flow and immune function, which of course help keep gum disease in check. 
9. Leafy vegetables should be a dietary staple for those who want optimal oral health. Ingesting folic acid and similar vitamins found in leafy greens will help with overall health and can, to an extent, lessen gum and tooth problems by promoting natural healing. 
10. Lastly, have some soybeans or natural soybean-based products. The calcium and vitamins help promote oral health and protect against bacterial and acidic attacks on teeth and gum tissue.