Ah junk food. We know how comforting and addicting it can be to plow through a bag of your favorite snacks. There may even be some times when junk food seems appropriate.  But before you binge on your guilty pleasure, consider the potential negative effects beyond your waistline. Some junk foods are really hard on your teeth. All junk food should be eaten in moderation, but especially these ten which are guilty for increasing the odds of tooth decay.

Our mouth, and our whole body really, hosts a wide range of bacteria. Some of these bacteria live in a symbiotic relationship with our bodies and mouth- fighting off bad bacteria without harming us. However, some bacteria in your mouth are bad for you- feeding off left behind food and sugars and creating acid as a byproduct. If these bacteria are allowed to multiply and the acid is not removed from your teeth, it will eventually wear through your enamel and create a cavity.

Most sodas are also high in sugar and acid. Even diet sodas have high levels of enamel-destroying acids.  In one can of a typical soda, there is 1/4 cup of sugar! Because it’s dissolved in the liquid, you can easily consume much more sugar than you would normally tolerate. Also, people tend to drink sodas over a prolonged period of time, which just spreads out the length of time your teeth are taking an acid and sugar bath while you enjoy your treat.

Like many of the culprits on this list, high sugar levels and the ability to stick on teeth put sticky candies and fruit on the list of junk foods you should avoid. Sticking on chewing surfaces and even between teeth, candies provide food for bacteria for a prolonged period of time.While dried fruit is typically seen as a healthier choice, it’s usually better to stick to fresh fruits when it’s an option. The density of sugar in fresh fruit is lower, and there is more fiber to help your body process the sugars better. Also, fresh fruit helps you get fuller faster and therefore eat fewer sugars.

Acids are your tooth enamel’s main enemy. Most of the foods on this list are in trouble for either containing acid directly, or for being full of sugar which feeds bacteria and then produces acids. Naturally, any foods high in acid themselves should be eaten in moderation. For example, it’s best to limit citrus snacks, and avoid eating a whole lemon yourself. Another potential culprit is vinegar which is found in many sauces and recipes. Acids weaken and wear down your enamel, leaving the vulnerable dentin exposed and ripe for decay.