Fruit juice is a staple in many children's diets, favored for the high amount of sugar that gives it a sweet, delicious taste. Even though many fruit juices advertise themselves as healthy, this is not always the case. They can be detrimental to a child's oral hygiene if consumed too often, which you can learn more about below.

How Juice Affects Children's Teeth

Fruit juices of all varieties are filled with acids and sugar. These substances wear down tooth enamel, which is an irreversible process. When tooth enamel is worn down, teeth are more vulnerable to plaque and cavities, which can lead to more serious issues like tooth decay. 

Healthy Alternatives to Fruit Juice

Luckily, fruit juice isn't the only option your child has when it comes to tasty beverages. Homemade smoothies or fresh-squeezed juice made from fruit can be delightfully sweet but have more controlled amounts of sugar. If you go this route, avoid using citrus, such as grapefruit and oranges. The high amounts of acid in these fruits are just as damaging as processed juice.

You can also give your child milk or coconut water instead, which have more mild flavors and might be more preferable to your child than plain water. Don't replace fruit juice with soda or sweet tea. These drinks have just as much sugar and acid and can be even more detrimental to oral hygiene than fruit juice.

Your child can still enjoy delicious drinks as long as you both keep up with their oral hygiene. Schedule routine visits with a pediatric dentist, such as Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC in Somerset, KY. Brandi Prather has hundreds of reviews on Facebook, averaging a 5-star rating. She provides dental cleaning, procedures, and advice to ensure your child has great oral health. Call (606) 679-5437 to schedule your first appointment or learn more about their company on Facebook.