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: http://dentistinsanclemente.com or call Nina Basti DDS at (949) 201-4719 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.

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

Recent Posts

Why Your Family Dentist Recommends Regular X-Rays

Most family dentist recommend regular dental X-rays once a year or more often if the patient is going through certain treatments. Understanding the importance of regular X-rays from your family dentist is helpful. Many people avoid the diagnostic service simply because they do not understand the role that dental X-rays have in dentistry. Family dentists recommend…

How Your Family Dentist Helps Prevent Dental Problems

Preventing dental problems by visiting a family dentist is the most effective way to maintain optimal oral health for all patients, young and old. With the help of a qualified family dentist, preventative care allows for early detection and treatment of oral issues. Naturally, patients need to play their parts at home, but a qualified…

How A Family Dentist Deals With Cavities

Cavities in adults and children are inevitable, but they are easy for a family dentist to treat if prevention does not work. All dentists are trained to help patients avoid cavities by cleaning teeth and gums and offering advice on oral care. If a cavity forms, the dentist can remove the damaged tooth material and…

How Visiting A Family Dentist Can Help Prevent Oral Infections

Wondering whether you should choose a family dentist as your primary dental care provider? Family dentists are great primary providers for dental care and can treat patients of a wide range of ages. One of the services this type of dental professional provides is the treatment of oral infections.Looking for the convenience of having a…

Recent Posts

What Happens After Dental Implants Are Placed?

What Happens After Dental Implants Are Placed?

There is a lot to think about when it comes to dental implants. This tooth-replacement treatment is an effective way to revitalize your smile and restore the ability to chew. The process can take several months, and the recovery can be lengthy. As you learn more about this procedure, you can make the right decision…

Visiting A Preventive Dentist Can Help Maintain Your Oral Health

Visiting A Preventive Dentist Can Help Maintain Your Oral Health

A preventive dentist can protect your mouth from different ailments. This dental care professional can perform treatments that can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits can ward off serious dental problems later on. Here are the details about visiting a preventive dentist for good oral health.The main goal of this field is to…