Like many families, you probably stock your fridge with those colorful juice boxes, believing they’re a healthy choice for your little ones.
After all, fruit juice comes from real fruit, so it must be good, right? But here’s the catch: that’s not exactly the case.
While whole fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients, fruit juice tells a different story. The concentrated sugars in these drinks can start wearing away tooth enamel before you even notice it.
Fruit Juice is Pretty Much Sugar Water
When we squeeze juice from fruit, the pulp—where most nutrients are stored—gets thrown away. Without the pulp, fruit juice becomes nothing more than sugar water.
Even if you buy organic, “no sugar added” varieties, there is enough natural sugar in fruit juice to damage the teeth with frequent consumption.
Packed Juice is Worse Than You Think for Your Child’s Teeth
Here’s the surprising part: the fruit juice you find in the store can often be worse. Even if the label says “100% juice” or “all natural,” many of these drinks still have added sugar. Some brands pack in up to 20 grams of sugar per serving. That’s almost the same amount of sugar as a whole pack of M&M’s!
When you think about it, that’s a lot for your child’s teeth and overall health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 2 and older should have no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day (about 6 teaspoons). So, if your child drinks one of those juice boxes, they’re almost hitting their daily sugar limit in just one drink!
Sure, fruit juice might not have high-fructose corn syrup like some sodas, but it’s still loaded with sugar, and that’s not doing your child’s teeth any favors.
Sugar feeds the bacteria in their mouth, which can lead to cavities and other dental issues down the road.
Eat Whole Fruits, They’re the Better Option
Fruit juice might seem like a healthy choice, but whole fruits are a much better option for your child’s teeth.
In whole fruits, sugar is bound up in fiber, which is the healthier way for your body to process sugar. This fiber prevents sugar from sticking to their teeth and feeding cavity-causing bacteria.
Plus, whole fruits provide essential nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants that juice just can’t offer.
Enjoy Fruit Juice in Moderation
We’re not saying that your child can’t enjoy fruit juice, but it’s important to keep it in moderation. Drinking juice every day can be tough on your child’s teeth, but when it’s consumed infrequently, it’s less likely to cause harm.
Additionally, it’s better to consume the juice all in one sitting, such as with a meal or snack, as opposed to sipping on juice throughout the day or with every meal or snack. This allows your mouth to recover itself from the sugar exposure, restoring it from an acidic pH to a normal pH.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting fruit juice to no more than 4 ounces per day. It’s important to note that children under one year old should not have fruit juice at all.
This helps keep the sugar intake in check while still allowing your child to enjoy fruit juice occasionally. So, think of it as a special treat, not something to drink every day.
Read more: Tips for Keeping Your Child Cavity-Free
Limiting fruit juice and choosing whole fruits is a great way to protect your child’s teeth, but good oral hygiene is the key to keeping their smile healthy.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining strong, healthy teeth. We recommend seeing your child’s dentist every six months.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about caring for your child’s teeth, feel free to reach out. To give your child the best care, we offer preventive services including cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment, and more in Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, Breaux Bridge, and surrounding areas.
Schedule an appointment with us today and take the next step in protecting your child’s smile!