Fruit Juice & Your Teeth: A Message From Your Dentist | Dentist Sioux City

Sioux City IA Dentist

Don’t be fooled by the label “100 percent fruit juice.” Drinks advertised in this way might seem like a healthy choice, but these drinks may be doing more harm than good. In fact, fruit juices contain sugar that can lead to tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reevaluated their recommendations for allowing small children to consume fruit juice. Here’s what you need to know about the new guidelines. 

No Fruit Juice in First 12 Months 

The AAP used to suggest that infants younger than 6 months old should not be given fruit juice to drink. This year, however, the AAP updated these recommendations to suggest refraining from fruit juice for any infant 12 months and younger. 

A Good Source of Vitamins – And Sugar 

Fruit juice can be an excellent source for vitamins and minerals. Many fruit juices contain vitamin C and potassium. However, fruit juices are often high in sugar content. According to a study summarized by Medical News Today, fruit juice may contain as much as 2 teaspoons of sugar for every 100-mililiters.  

Fruit Juice May Be Harming Your Teeth 

Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay, especially in children. The AAP also advises that toddlers and young children should not be served fruit juice in a “sippy cup.” These cups provide greater exposure of decay-causing sugar to teeth, leading to an ideal environment for tooth decay.  

According to the updated guidelines set by the AAP, moderation is key. While children under 12 months of age should not be provided fruit juice, small amounts may be permitted for older children. The AAP suggests a maximum of 4 ounces of fruit juice per day for children aged 1 to 3, 4 to 6 ounces per day for children aged 4 to 6, and 8 ounces per day for those between the ages of 7 and 18. You may also consider adding water to dilute the juice before giving it to your child, so they receive less sugar. 

Children and adolescents aren’t the only group that can benefit from consuming fewer sugary drinks. Sugar still leads to decay in adults as well. Our team suggests trying to limit your own consumption of sugary drinks. 

Maintaining regular visits to our office will allow our dental team to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy. We will provide a comprehensive screening to locate and treat decay. If your child drinks more than the suggested amount of sugary fruit drinks, consider scheduling an extra cleaning with our team. Together, we can work to promote a lifetime of optimal oral health. 

To schedule a visit to our dental office, please contact our team.

Family First Dental – Sioux City
Phone: 712-255-5754
2928 Hamilton Boulevard Upper E
Sioux City, IA 51104
Family 1st Dental
Average rating:  
 0 reviews

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Sioux City Dental Office

Dentist Sioux City

Sioux City Location

2928 Hamilton Boulevard, Upper E,
Sioux City, IA 51104

(712) 255-5754

20220513_104246

Our Dental News

Dentist Sioux City

Is Exercising Bad for Your Teeth? | Sioux City Dentist

At Family 1st Dental in Sioux City, we know that maintaining good health through exercise is crucial. However, you might be wondering if your workout routine could negatively impact your dental health. Several studies suggest that certain exercise habits may […]

Learn More

Sealants for Adults? Discover the Benefits at Family 1st Dental – Sioux City | Dentist Near Me

When we think of dental sealants, we often associate them with children. However, adults can also reap significant benefits from this preventive treatment. Sealants work by protecting the teeth, and sealing off deep grooves and crevices on chewing surfaces. According […]

Learn More

Your Child’s Routine Dental Appointment at Family 1st Dental – Sioux City | Sioux City Dentist

The American Dental Association recommends scheduling regular dental check-ups every six months, and this is especially important for growing children. Their mouths are continually changing, making them more susceptible to tooth decay. Establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early on is […]

Learn More