Can Fruit Juice Be Risky for a Kid’s Oral Health?

Fruits should be a major part of any child’s diet, and they can deliver a wide range of incredibly benefits for a kid’s oral health. For example, apples are firm enough to scrape nasty plaque and food residue from the teeth without harming the enamel, which earns them the affectionate nickname of “nature’s toothbrush,” and grapes are naturally loaded with fluoride that can help prevent cavities. However, fruit juice can increase a kid’s risk of oral infections. Here’s a quick look at how your child’s beverages can affect their oral health.

What Makes Fruit Juice So Bad?

While one might be tempted to think that fruit juice is a healthy option since it can be high in vitamins and minerals, the truth is that it contains about as much sugar and acid as cola. This means it can weaken a child’s enamel and feed the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Fruit juice can be fine as an occasional treat, but make sure your child drinks plenty of water and practices excellent oral hygiene after doing so.

What Are the Best Beverage Options for My Child’s Teeth?

Luckily, there are a few excellent beverage options that can help your child maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. These include:

• Water: Water should always be a person’s primary source of hydration. Besides being absolutely essential to life as we know it, water is free from sugars and acids that can erode the enamel as well as pigments and dyes that can cause dental stains. Water will also help flush food residue and harmful bacteria away from the teeth and keep the body hydrated enough for healthy saliva flow. Fluoridated water will also help reinforce the enamel and prevent cavities.
• Milk: Plain white milk is the second-best beverage for your child’s oral health. Milk is nonacidic, low in sugar, and contains many vitamins and minerals that are essential to keeping the teeth healthy such as phosphorus and calcium. However, it’s still important to make sure your child brushes and flosses thoroughly after enjoying a glass.

Don’t let fruit juice or other sugary beverages give your child cavities or other nasty oral infections. Consulting with your family’s pediatric dentist can help you understand how to keep your kid’s smile beautiful and healthy.

About the Practice

Stroud Pediatric Dentistry offers the best oral healthcare for children in Willow Park. Led by Drs. Robert Casey Stroud and Michael Ball, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective care in a calming and child-friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include pediatric general, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about how you can help your child’s smile stay healthy, contact the practice online or dial (817) 441-2425.