Fruit juice can contain many essential vitamins and nutrients to support your little one’s development. However, too much of a good thing can be bad. Fruit contains natural sugars and many products contain added sweeteners, which can wreak havoc on your child’s enamel. With tooth decay more prevalent than childhood asthma, here’s what you need to know about the dental risks of fruit juice.
Fruit Juice and Tooth Decay
Your child’s primary teeth are essential for their oral health and development. Although their baby teeth fall out after a few years, they allow your little one to develop the necessary functions for eating and speaking. They also act as placeholders for their adult teeth. Losing a tooth too soon can have lasting consequences for their dental health.
Cavities are a leading cause of tooth loss in children. Sugars from the foods and drinks your child consumes combine with bacteria to create an acidic plaque that erodes their enamel over time. Although enamel is incredibly strong, it can’t regenerate. No amount of brushing can reverse a cavity.
Cookies and candy aren’t the only contributors to tooth decay. Soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar. Fruit juice is marketed as healthy, but the American Academy of Pediatrics advises children shouldn’t have juice until they are 1 year old.
Protecting Your Child’s Dental Health
Baby bottle tooth decay is a leading concern for infants and toddlers. It’s caused by young children going to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, which causes rapid tooth decay. You can help protect your child’s smile from cavities by following a few tips:
- Introduce Early Oral Hygiene Habits: Even if your child doesn’t have any teeth, it’s never too early to introduce healthy oral hygiene habits. Use a soft wet washcloth to wipe their gums and tongue twice daily.
- Only Water in Bed: Don’t send your little one to bed at night or put them down for a nap with anything except water.
- Schedule a Dental Checkup: Children should have their first dental checkup before their 1st birthday,
- Limit Sugars: Moderate your child’s consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Instead, encourage healthy options, like low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
About 50% of children will be affected by tooth decay before they start kindergarten. You can safeguard your child’s smile with a proactive approach to combating cavities.
About Dr. Ryne S. Paulson
Dr. Paulson earned his dental degree from Creighton University and has continued his education in pediatric dentistry. As a father of 4 children, he understands the importance of compassionate dental care. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (307) 223-8814.