Should I Be Drinking Juice?
People might think that fruit is healthy. And indeed, it can be rich in vitamins and minerals. And many fruit juices even have extra calcium, an essential mineral that helps form strong bones and teeth. So, all in all, juice may seem like a very healthy option. However, from a dentist’s perspective, it can pose problems for teeth.
It’s easy to see why people like juice, being sweet, refreshing, and full of fruity flavor. It’s a common choice to accompany breakfast, to pack in children’s lunches for school, or even just for a refreshing drink throughout the day. And, of course, 100% juice seems like the healthiest option. After all, in an age of artificial colors and flavors and not-so-healthy additives, why would you choose anything less than 100% pure?
Well, the problem with juice is the sugar that it contains. As a concentrated form of the fruit, many fruit juices actually contain more sugar per serving than the original fruit itself. In fact, they can have so much that there is not much difference in the sugar content of soda versus juice. That’s why, for parents especially, it is essential to read the nutritional labels and check for sugar content to ensure you know what is going into your child’s body.
Additionally, some varieties (such as citrus) can have high acidity, which further threatens tooth enamel.
What do you recommend?
We recommend diluting with water by at least 50%, and even more for children. In fact, we encourage you to think of juice as simply a flavoring agent for your water. Try it out with as little as 10% juice to 90% water. Once you get used to it, you’ll see just how sweet a little juice really is. A little bit truly goes a long way!
And once you’re through indulging with a sweet drink, you should always rinse your mouth out with water to remove the sugary residue.
