kids tooth decay

Is Fruit Juice Affecting Your Teeth?

Ahh, fruit juice. It has amazing health benefits, especially being full of Vitamins and antioxidants, but did you know that it can take a toll on your pearly whites? Here are a few reasons why:

Fruit Juice is Full of Sugar

You know how it goes- sugar contributes to cavities and plaque, which, in turn, can lead to gum irritation and many other negative factors from sugar buildup. Since many fruit juices aren’t 100% fruit juice, they contain large amounts of sugar.

Fruit Juice Reduces Tooth Enamel

We’ve heard a lot about the wearing down of tooth enamel in the previous posts, so you can consider it pretty sensitive to what you consume and how much you brush each day. Fruits with high acid content, such as limes and cranberries, can have the most influence on breaking down tooth enamel, which our teeth need to stay hard and strong!

Fruit Juice and The Youngins

It is important to keep in mind that there is a difference when drinking fruit juice from a sippy-cup. The liquids are released at a slower rate, thus, giving the liquid a chance to stay in the mouth more. With that being said, there is a higher chance of cavities forming! A good way to combat any problems would be to mix the cup with water to dilute any sugar or acids.

All in all, fruit juices aren’t the bad guys when having it in moderation, but it is important to be aware of the possible effects it can have on your teeth.

 

How to Prevent Tooth Decay During the Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of year! For both your child and the cavity-causing bacteria in their mouth.

It’s hard to find a child who doesn’t love the holidays, and almost all of the holidays come with heaps of sweets and sugary candy.  You want your kids to be able to indulge a little in the holiday festivities, but you also want to keep their teeth healthy.

When we eat sugar, the bacteria in our mouth feed on the sugar and create a byproduct of acid.  In turn, the acid strips our tooth enamel and erodes our teeth.

To combat any tooth decay that might occur during the holidays, try these solutions:

  • Save treats like candy, cookies, and pies for after mealtime, when the amount of saliva in the mouth is greater and will better protect your child’s teeth.
  • Dairy actually acts as a buffer to the acid created by the bacteria in your mouth.  Consider serving milk or cheese with candies and treats.
  • Flossing can help get rid of sticky particles that get lodged between the teeth.  Make sure to have your child floss extra well during the holidays.
  • To help pace the amount of candy your child consumes around holidays like Halloween and Easter, store the excess candy in a sealed container and place it out of sight.  Establish set times when your child can have a treat.
  • Encourage your child to drink more water, and make sure that this water has fluoride in it