If you’re like most parents, you might think giving your child a glass of juice is harmless. After all, it’s fruit-based, so it has to be healthy, right? While many of these beverages taste good, overconsumption can cause problems in the long run. If you want to know more about the effects of juice on children’s teeth, keep reading.
What You May Not Know About Fruit Juice
There are countless flavors and types of fruit juices available on the market. Strolling the grocery store aisles, you’ll see an endless variety, each capturing the attention of your little one. The enticement of “real fruit” or “no artificial flavors” may have you assuming they’re safe for your child to consume, but here are a few things you’ll want to consider:
- Most fruit juices contain a lot of sugar. While they may claim to be low in sugar, there is still often too much for young teeth to handle. This can increase the chances of cavities, which are already more likely to develop in young smiles because of novice oral hygiene habits.
- Many of these fruit beverages are highly acidic because of their citrus flavors. Too much acidity can damage the enamel of teeth, causing it to break down over time.
- Fruit juice has little nutritional value, so when attempting to transition a toddler away from formula, you’ll want to find a more suitable and nutritive option such as milk or water.
Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?
Yes, baby teeth do matter! Just because these teeth fall out within a few years of erupting, they must be properly cared for until it’s time for adult teeth to push through the gumline.
Cavities, eroding enamel, and more serious infections can create a harsh environment for permanent teeth to erupt into. This is why pediatric dentists strongly recommend regular six-month dental checkups and teeth cleanings for children.
Keeping these teeth in the best possible shape allows them to serve as reliable placeholders for adult teeth to eventually erupt.
Healthier Beverages for Children to Enjoy
When choosing which drinks your child can enjoy each day, the best option is water. Not only does it help to keep them hydrated, but it also flushes out bad oral bacteria and food particles. Not to mention, if you live in the city, there’s a good chance that the tap water will contain fluoride, so your child’s pearly whites will become stronger and be able to better combat tooth decay.
There is also the option of providing them with milk, but you should be aware that even this calcium-enriched beverage contains some sugar, so moderation is important.
If you choose to let your child have fruit juice on occasion, that is fine. You’ll just want to make sure that it does not become a daily treat.
About the Practice
At Hamilton Pediatric Dental Care, patients can expect nothing but the very best. Complete with three highly skilled and trained pediatric dentists who enjoy and remain passionate about the treatment of young smiles, they offer a fun and welcoming environment. This makes it much easier for children to feel at ease. If you are interested in finding a dental office for your little one, contact us via the website or (905) 525-8272.