Categories: Family Dentist

Ask a Family Dentist: Should My Kids Avoid Juice and Soda?

You entrust your family dentist to protect your kids’ teeth. They do not just clean the teeth, but they can also offer suggestions for maintaining oral hygiene. Find out what a family dentist has to say about juice and soda. Should kids avoid these drinks altogether or are they fine in moderation?

Soft drinks

Children tend to enjoy soft drinks, but these beverages should be avoided. Regular soft drinks contain high levels of sugar, and both regular and diet sodas are acidic. Acid and sugar are both damaging to the teeth, so soft drinks should be removed from the diet.

What do sugar and acid do?

Sugar and acid eat at the enamel on teeth. This causes the enamel to wear down, making the teeth more susceptible to decay. Enamel erosion also changes the tooth’s appearance, so it is critical to say no to soda.

Fruit juice

Unlike soda, fruit juice does have some benefits. The vitamins and minerals in fruit juice can give a child’s body a boost, but the acid and sugar are dangerous to the teeth. Since there are benefits and drawbacks to drinking fruit juice, moderation is the key.

How much fruit juice can children drink?

Children can drink up to six ounces of 100 percent fruit juice each day, but they should not consume any more than that. Measure the amount of fruit juice to ensure the child does not consume too much.

The alternative to fruit juice

While children can drink fruit juice in moderation, whole fruits are a healthier alternative. Fruits contain more vitamins and minerals and are not as acidic.

What to do after consuming soft drinks or juice

Most parents will not completely eliminate soft drinks and fruit juice from their children’s diets, even if the family dentist recommends it. Those who let their children drink soft drinks and fruit juice from time to time need to follow some tips.

Drink at mealtime

Only offer soft drinks or fruit juice with meals. People produce more saliva when eating, and this neutralizes some of the acids. It is not the same as not drinking the acidic beverage at all, but the reduction in acid makes the beverage less harmful.

Rinse after drinking

Water can reduce some of the power of acid and sugar. Children should rinse their mouths with water immediately after consuming soft drinks or juice.

Brush an hour after drinking

Removing excess bacteria is essential for protecting the teeth. Children should brush an hour after drinking soft drinks or juice. Do not allow the children to brush before an hour is up, though. Brushing too early can cause more damage.

Protect children’s teeth

It is important to protect your children’s teeth at all times. That means you need to limit the number of soft drinks and juices your kids drink. If you let your children have these beverages from time to time, offer them at mealtime, have them rinse after drinking and brush an hour later. Also, have your family dentist examine your children’s teeth to make sure they are healthy.

Request an appointment here: https://mgdental.com or call MG Dental at (718) 416-6444 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist.

Recent Posts

Your Child's First Family Dentist Visit

Your child may have anxiety in advance of their first visit with a family dentist. You can help your child manage their nerves by learning what to expect during the visit and how you can prepare your child. This review offers insights into the process of your child’s first family dentist visit and what to…

What Does A Family Dentist Perform?

Looking for a new family dentist in your area? Since there are different types of dentists to choose from nowadays, choosing the right one is important. Ready to learn more about the benefits of choosing a family dentist?Considering choosing a family dentist in Brooklyn? People choose family dentists to provide them with the dental care…

Family Dentist FAQ: How Dangerous Is A Cavity?

Family dentists are certified general dentists who specialize in treating patients of all ages, including children and adults. Because family dentists focus their efforts on general dentistry care, they are often tasked with diagnosing and treating cavities. Cavities are known to be infections in the teeth, which can result in long-term damage if the appropriate…

Why Do People Choose A Family Dentist?

A typical day in the average American household includes many things: soccer games, determining what to cook (or pick up) for lunch or dinner, carpools, dance lessons, after-school events, school board conferences and the list goes on.It's remarkable how we manage to be everywhere at once and not explode from the pressure. On top of…

MG Dental

Share
Published by
MG Dental

Recent Posts

Transform Your Smile With Dental Veneers

Because of their ability to make teeth appear uniform in shape, size, and color and…

1 month ago

When You Should Call Your Dentist for a Dental Checkup

When was your last dental checkup? Read on to learn about the importance of sticking…

1 month ago

Invisalign Is a Discreet Teeth Straightening Treatment

Invisalign® clear aligners give you a discreet way to improve the alignment of your teeth.

2 months ago

Cosmetic Dental Reasons to Get Dental Bonding

Getting dental bonding can be a good way to improve your smile. It can be…

2 months ago

What Is a Denture Reline?

Learn about a denture reline and find out when it is recommended. Go over the…

3 months ago

Dental Restoration: Learn About Fillings

MG Dental -- Find out how a filling works as a dental restoration. This article…

3 months ago