Fruit Juice and Your Teeth | Dentist in Benicia
At Meade Family Dentistry [https://benicia.dental/], we know it’s easy to be misled by the label “100 percent fruit juice.” While fruit juice may sound like a healthy option, the truth is that these drinks can negatively impact your dental health. Many fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay, especially in children. Here’s what you need to know about how fruit juice affects teeth and ways to protect your family’s smiles.
WHY FRUIT JUICE MAY HARM YOUR CHILD’S TEETH
Fruit juice is often marketed as a natural and nutritious beverage because it contains vitamins like vitamin C and potassium. However, many fruit juices are loaded with sugar, which can damage teeth over time. According to a _Medical News Today_ report, fruit juice may have as much as 2 teaspoons of sugar per 100 milliliters.
Here’s how fruit juice can harm teeth:
* SUGAR PROMOTES TOOTH DECAY: Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, producing acids that erode tooth enamel.
* PROLONGED EXPOSURE INCREASES RISK: Serving juice in “sippy cups” allows teeth to be in constant contact with sugar, creating an ideal environment for cavities.
* LIMITED CLEANING FROM SALIVA: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth, but sugary drinks can overwhelm its ability to neutralize acids.
UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR FRUIT JUICE CONSUMPTION
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its recommendations regarding fruit juice to help prevent chi...
