Before you reach for that seemingly innocent glass of 100 percent fruit juice, consider this: despite the healthy image portrayed on the label, fruit juices can pose risks to your dental health. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its guidelines regarding fruit juice consumption, particularly for young children. Here’s what you need to know:
No Fruit Juice for Infants Under 12 Months While it was once recommended to avoid fruit juice for infants under 6 months, the AAP now advises refraining from fruit juice altogether for infants under 12 months old.
Loaded with Vitamins and Sugar Sure, fruit juices boast essential vitamins like vitamin C and potassium, but they also pack a sugary punch. Medical News Today reports that fruit juices can contain up to 2 teaspoons of sugar per 100 milliliters.
The Harmful Effects on Teeth Sugar is a prime culprit behind tooth decay, especially in kids. The AAP cautions against serving fruit juice in sippy cups to toddlers and young children, as it exposes teeth to sugar for extended periods, increasing the risk of decay.
Moderation Is Key While fruit juice isn’t off-limits entirely, the AAP recommends moderation. For children aged 1 to 3, limit intake to a maximum of 4 ounces per day; for those aged 4 to 6, 4 to 6 ounces are acceptable; and for kids aged 7 to 18, up to 8 ounces per day is considered safe. Diluting juice with water can also help reduce sugar intake.
Adults Should Be Cautious Too It’s not just kids who should watch their fruit juice intake—sugar can lead to decay in adults as well. Limit your consumption of sugary drinks to protect your dental health.
Regular Dental Visits Are Essential Keeping up with routine dental check-ups allows our team to monitor your child’s dental health and address any decay promptly. If your child exceeds the recommended fruit juice intake, consider scheduling an extra cleaning with us to mitigate potential damage.
Ready to Safeguard Your Smile? Contact our Laurel dental office to schedule your next appointment. Together, we can work toward promoting a lifetime of healthy smiles for you and your family.
