When we think of healthy alternatives to soda and other sugary drinks, its often common to look to fruit juice as a healthy alternative. Generally high in essential vitamins, fruit juice can be a much better choice than other beverages. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the worst offenders. The sugars and citric acid found in most fruit juices cause double trouble for teeth, and can lead to tooth decay at an early age.
A lot more sugar than you think.
Apple juice can contain as much as 10 tsp. of sugar. That’s exactly the same amount as found in the leading cola. Grape juice contains even more, with nearly 15tsp. Further, the citric acid in fruit juice can be tough on enamel, eating away at the first line of defense for healthy teeth.
Moderation...and water.
Consuming fruit juice isn’t in and of itself bad. Instead, the real problem is that we often simply consume too much juice or that we don’t rinse or brush afterwards. Children are especially at risk when juice is given too frequently. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have no more than 6 to 8 ounces of citrus fruit juice per day. Also, it’s important to limit your children’s consumption of juice to once a day, preferably with a meal, instead of spread out through the day, such as in a sippy cup. For the juice-lover in the family, two servings of watered down juice is a great way to satisfy a craving!
