Introducing your child to new foods and beverages is a fun part of their growth and development. After all, there’s nothing quite like exploring a variety of sweets and savories to help teach them about their own culture and others around the world. But not all meals are created equally. While some items may taste good, that doesn’t mean they’re good for you. Take for example sweet drinks like fruit juices. Though they may be delicious, they could be very dangerous to your child’s oral health. Here’s why when it comes to staying hydrated, it’s best to stick to water.
Sweet Surrender: Juice vs. Soda
Fruit juice doesn’t just taste good, it can be very good for you, too. Orange juice, for example, is packed with vitamin C, while apple juice is full of beneficial antioxidants. But despite these health benefits, it also contains something else that may surprise you: sugar. In fact, while the average 8 oz can of cola contains about 22 grams of sugar, a glass of orange juice of the exact same size has a whopping 21 grams!
Water, Water
Though juices may be more favorable to children than plain water, the truth is that it’s much better for them in the long run. For starters, water does not contain sugar, so it’s great for their teeth. Better yet, many local water supplies contain fluoride, which has not only been proven safe for consumption, but according to the CDC it can also help reduce cavities by up to 40 percent in children!
How to Handle Juice Responsibly
While there’s no reason to cut juice entirely from your child’s diet, it’s best to save it for special occasions, not as a regular part of their menu. Consider limiting it to Sunday breakfast or only if you go out to eat. This way, they can still enjoy it, but they will understand that it’s not meant to be a dietary staple like water.
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Another phenomenon you may have heard about is baby bottle tooth decay. This condition is quite common among children who drink juice from baby bottles, or who go to sleep with a bottle of anything but water at bed or at naptime. To avoid this unnecessary increase in cavities, be sure to offer your child water in their bottle at night and brush their teeth and gums well after providing anything else, including milk, formula, and juice.
Remember, fruit juices are a delicious and refreshing way to add important vitamins and nutrients to your child’s diet, but they can also cause a lot of problems with their teeth. Thus, avoid giving juice in lieu of water, and consider incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet instead.
About Our Practice
At Cove Choice Dental, we’re proud to help Copperas Cove patients of all ages. Whether you’re a professional looking for a cosmetic dentistry treatment, a senior considering dental implants, or a new parent looking for a first dental visit for your child, our team of highly skilled dentists is here to assist you. To schedule an appointment for your child, please visit our website or call us today at 254-987-6777.