Fruit juice and other drinks largely meant for children seem like good, healthy options for lunchboxes and between-meal treats, don’t they? Except even beverages that look healthy on the surface may contain hidden dangers that could ultimately have devastating consequences for a smile that’s still developing. Recent studies have indicated that 62% of drinks that are marketed towards children contain sugars, which are of course well known for causing cavities. Read on to learn more about children’s cavities in Franklin Park and how choosing the right drinks to buy could potentially help you avoid them.
How Vulnerable are Children to Tooth Decay?
Any child that is old enough to have a tooth is old enough to have a cavity. The risk of tooth decay is actually much higher early in life thanks to a variety of factors. For one thing, the enamel layer protecting younger teeth is usually much thinner, which means it’s less resistant to acids and other harmful substances that can damage it. Also, children are still learning how to brush and floss properly, and they may not be able to effectively clean every nook and cranny of their own mouths; as such, acids and plaque are more prone to gathering in these hard-to-reach areas. Given these risks, it’s up to parents to choose foods and beverages that won’t make the task of preventing tooth decay any harder.
What Children’s Drinks are Particularly Bad for the Teeth?
If the commercial fruit juice you buy isn’t 100% juice, you may want to think of making a change. Many of these juices contain a high amount of sugar and acids that can easily lead to tooth decay. You should also be wary of sports drinks. Not only do they contain quite a bit of sugar, but research seems to indicate that they don’t really offer much of a health benefit anyway. Finally, stay away from diet soda; despite being marketed as a “healthier” alternative to regular soda, they still contain high levels of phosphoric and citric acids that can be absolutely devastating to the enamel.
What are Some Healthier Alternatives?
The good news is that there are plenty of other drinks out there that can actually be beneficial to your child’s health. A children’s dentist in Franklin Park might recommend:
- Low or no-fat milk, which contains calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorous – all of which promote strong teeth and a healthy jawbone.
- Unsweetened 100% fruit juice, as without sugar and other additives it doesn’t appear to meaningfully contribute to cavity development.
- Tap water, which washes away particles of food that remain in the mouth and often contains fluoride to strengthen enamel.
These are just a few suggestions; talk to your dentist about other dietary options that can promote a cavity-free smile as your child continues to grow.
About the Practice
Grand Dental – Franklin Park boasts a team of three general dentists along with an orthodontist and a periodontist; together, they work to create a warm, welcoming environment where your entire family can get the care they need. We offer a variety of child-friendly services and are always happy to offer tips to help parents make the right decisions to promote oral health at home. To schedule an appointment for your little ones, visit our website or call 847–443-5120.