While many would assume fruit juice is a healthy alternative to soda or sports drinks, it can contain just as much sugar and do just as much damage. Sugar, whether it's naturally occurring or refined, impacts oral health at the same level. Here is a guide to how fruit juice affects your child's teeth and ways you can protect your little ones oral hygiene. 

How Juice Affects Children's Teeth

Fruit juice contains natural sugars and acids. When mixed with the bacteria in a child's mouth, the combination of sugar, acid and bacteria can result in lesions in the tooth enamel, tooth decay and cavities. Whether your child drinks 100 percent fruit juice or a juice cocktail, they are exposed to a significant amount of sugar. 

Research has found that each sip of juice initiates an attack on teeth that lasts up to 20 minutes. Each sip reinitiates this process, putting notable wear and tear on young teeth, regardless of oral hygiene practices. 

Healthy Alternatives to Fruit Juice

The best thing to give your child is always water, but it isn't always the most exciting option for little ones. To help make water feel a little more fun, try infusing it with fresh fruit and berries, cucumber or mint. 

For children who are very attached to juice, try diluting juice with mostly water or using sparkling water as a base with just a splash of juice. Juicing vegetables, like carrots, offers a nutrient-packed sweet treat that benefits a child's healthy eyesight and muscle health without extra sugar. 

If your child really struggles to ditch the juice altogether, try to buy 100 percent juice as opposed to a juice beverage, juice cocktail or juice drinks which can contain little to no nutritional value and very little actual fruit juice. Even simply reducing their juice intake is better than doing nothing at all.

For the best possible oral care, families in Onalaska, Wisconsin, choose Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska, LLC. This welcoming and warm dental practice offers a wide range of services for children of all ages, including teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, interceptive orthodontics and more. Established in 2002, this team has remained dedicated to focusing on patient education, promoting healthy oral hygiene habits from a young age. With the ability to put even the most nervous child at ease, these experts are able to give your little ones the tools they need to maintain healthy gums and teeth all their lives.To schedule your child's next appointment, call (608) 781-9114 or visit the website.