From apples and oranges to pineapples, there are countless fruits that are juiced and available at your local grocery store. Since these beverages are often marketed as healthy choices for your little one’s growing body, you might be wondering if the same applies to their smile. To learn the answer, read on!
Juice: Good or Bad News for Your Child’s Teeth?
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its recommendations, stating that children under the age of one should not consume fruit juices of any kind. There are a few reasons for this. To start, fruit juice has very little nutritional value, especially since it doesn’t contain the same fiber that whole fruit has. Secondly, it’s loaded with sugar that can quickly result in tooth decay. That’s why it’s best to stick to only milk and water until your little one is over the age of one. After that, they can indulge sparingly.
5 Tips to Help Keep Your Child’s Teeth Decay-Free
Providing your child with healthy, sugar-free beverages, like water, is a great start. Of course, keeping their teeth free of cavities will require a bit more. Here are a few additional best practices that will help keep their oral health in pristine condition:
- Brush their teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening
- Start flossing the moment they have two teeth that touch
- Fill their diet with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables
- Discourage unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on pen caps
- Make sure they wear a mouthguard if they play sports (even non-contact ones)
The Importance of Routine Checkups and Cleanings
Around your child’s first birthday (or when they lose their first tooth), you should schedule their first checkup with their dentist. In addition to establishing this routine young, this appointment serves another important purpose: examining your child’s teeth, gums, tongue, etc. Moving forward, these visits should happen every six months so their dental team can periodically monitor their development, check on the condition of their teeth, and administer the appropriate restorative dental treatment in the early stages if something problematic does arise.
While your child’s tastebuds may love juice, this beverage isn’t ideal for their teeth. So, don’t offer it to them before age one and make sure they indulge sparingly after that!
About the Author
After graduating from Saint Anselm College, Dr. Myles Clancy chose to pursue his DMD at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. The next step was to complete his training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Illinois, which is where he earned his Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. Today, he is both board-certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry! So, if you have any questions about children’s dentistry or would like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (508) 290-0090.