Fruit juice is one of the most popular drinks for people of all ages. Children mostly enjoy the delicious taste whereas parents appreciate the vitamins it provides for their little ones. But did you know these drinks can be problematic for oral health? Keep reading to learn how this beverage can negatively impact your child’s smile and ways you can preserve their pearly whites!
The Relationship Between Fruit Juice & Oral Health
Simply hearing the word “fruit” can often make you assume the food or drink will be beneficial to you or your little one’s health. Although 100% fruit juices consist of various essential nutrients, it doesn’t mean this is precisely what your child is consuming. Marketing companies may use terms to make their beverages sound healthy, such as juice drinks, juice blends, or fruit punch, but many of their products are packed with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Even if your little one sips on 100% fruit juice frequently, the high levels of natural sugars can lead to cavities similar to candy. Some studies have even shown that a glass of grape or apple juice has the same amount of sugar content as a glass of soda.
3 Major Issues with Kid’s Juice
Most people think of candies and cookies as the main culprits of cavities. However, many dentists claim that the negative effects of juice on children’s oral health are a typically overlooked factor. Here are the three main aspects that make fruit juice a troublesome beverage for your little one:
- High acidity: Most juices, especially citrus ones, are usually acidic. When your child’s teeth are exposed to these drinks, they can begin to erode and become weaker or more susceptible to decay and infection.
- Sugar content: Since fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar, sipping on them frequently can leave your child’s teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
- Serving method: Your little one might enjoy drinking bottles of juice throughout the entire day, meaning their smile will constantly be exposed to sugars and acids. This can leave their teeth at a higher risk of developing cavities compared to finishing it within 30 minutes.
Tips to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Cavity-Free
While fruit juice might be harmful to your child’s smile, there are ways you can keep them hydrated without risking the health of their teeth. Some of the most important tips from dental experts include:
- Dilute juice drinks with water to minimize the negative effects
- Children over six should drink no more than 12 ounces of juice each day
- Children under six shouldn’t drink more than six ounces of juice a day
- Serve their juice with a straw to reduce contact with their teeth
- Have them drink more milk, which helps strengthen their enamel
- Encourage your child to drink more tap water, which helps rinse out sugars in the mouth and is typically fluoridated
Keep an eye on how much fruit juice your child drinks during the day. Be sure to implement these few tips, and you should help promote better oral health for the long term!
About the Author
Dr. Alison Garrad received his dental degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She regularly seeks continuing education to refine her skills and is a member of several groups like the Texas Dental Association and the Spear Study Club. She offers multiple high-quality services, including children’s checkups/cleanings, fluoride treatment, and gum disease therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 903-455-6075.
