Why Fruit Juice is Bad for Your Teeth — What to Drink Instead

You’ve probably seen the picture of the 10 teaspoons of sugar next to a soda pop can. You likely know how detrimental soda is to your teeth due to its high sugar content. Many parents substitute fruit juice for soda because they think it’s healthier. However, did you know that many fruit juices, even those claiming to be 100%, contain just as much sugar as soda? That’s why regular fruit juice consumption will increase your child’s risk for tooth decay and more emergency trips to the dentist.

Parents should limit their children’s consumption of fruit juice and substitute it with water or milk. Here’s why.

The Surprising Sugar Content of Fruit Juice

When trying to get your daily allowance of fruits, it may be tempting to opt for fruit juice. However, Registered Dietitian Beth Czerwony says, “A single cup of orange juice basically has all the sugar you should have in a day.” One eight-ounce glass of orange juice has about 23 grams of sugar. In context, the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women.

Tomato or vegetable juice, which is high in protein, tends to be healthier. We recommend drinking no more than 4-6 ounces a day.

You can always cut the sugar by diluting the juice with water. When using a concentrated mix, for example, use four or five containers of water instead of the three recommended on the packaging.

Another option is to eat more whole fruits. According to Czerwony, “You get so much more than just juice when eating whole fruit.” You don’t miss out on the fiber, and you get more of that fuller feeling than you would after drinking juice.

Drink Milk or Water Instead

While fruit juice may seem like a healthy option, there are more nutritious beverages that are good for your body and teeth. For example, milk not only provides a lower-sugar alternative, but it also helps counteract the effects of sugar in your diet. More specifically, milk lessens the impact of sugar by minimizing acidity.

Water is great for removing acid from teeth. It also helps flush away food debris, bacteria, and sugars that get left behind. Your teeth receive a bonus if you drink water with fluoride. Best of all, water doesn’t have the calories that otherwise add to your waistline.

Protecting Your Teeth for Long-Term Oral Health

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we care about the health of your teeth between checkups. Limiting your consumption of fruit juices and other sugary drinks is an excellent way to preserve the health of your teeth. If you need guidance on healthy eating or would like to schedule your next checkup and professional dental cleaning, please contact our Cincinnati office today for more information and to arrange your next visit.