You may be surprised to learn that even unsweetened fruit juice is packed with sugars and acids that can damage your child's teeth. Today our Delta children’s dentists explain why they advise against serving fruit juice to children.
Fruit Juice vs Soda Pop
Although it's true that some fruit juices have more nutritional value than soda pop, fruit juices can be just as damaging as pop to your child's teeth. Apple juice for example, contains almost as much sugar as many popular soda pops and is capable of causing extensive damage to your child's teeth.
Sugar & Children's Teeth
Whenever your child drinks fruit juice, pop or other beverages containing sugar, the bacteria in their mouth mixes with the sugars and creates a mild acid. That acid can then go on to attack your child's tooth enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities.
Natural Sugar is Still Sugar
Whether the sugar your child consumes is naturally occurring (as in fruit) or refined (as in pop), it will still react with the bacteria in your child's mouth. In fact, many of our favourite 'healthy' foods and drinks such as milk and fruit contain natural sugars. While it's true that unsweetened fruit juice contain no added sugars, these beverages are filled with natural sugars that can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Natural Fruit Acids Can Damage Teeth
When it comes to children's dental health, sugar isn't the only problem with fruit juice. While the sugars in fruit juice are very damaging to children's teeth, juices also contain naturally occurring acids. Much like sugar, fruit acids can also erode the enamel on your child's teeth.
Water To Quench Thirst & Protect Teeth
The damage done to children's dental health by the sugars and acids in fruit juices far outweighs any of the minor nutritional benefits these beverages offer. When it comes to good nutrition, an apple is far better than a glass of apple juice, and water is always the best choice for thirsty children.