If you want to keep your child’s smile safe, then you need to pay close attention to the drinks they have on a daily basis. Some beverages marketed for children seem healthy on the surface, but in many cases, they can actually increase your little one’s risk of developing a cavity. As such, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the drinks that can be bad for your child’s teeth, as well as what smile-friendly alternatives are available.
What Drinks Can Cause Problems for Your Child’s Teeth?
Some all-too-common examples of children’s drinks that can lead to cavities include:
- Commercial Fruit Juice: Many commercial fruit juices contain a surprisingly high amount of sugar. As such, overindulging in these types of beverages can easily result in tooth decay.
- Lemonade: Not only is lemonade often very sugary, but it also tends to be quite acidic. This means it can weaken the enamel protecting your child’s teeth, leaving them more prone to decay.
- Sports Drinks: Sports drinks are yet another example of a sugary beverage that can wreak havoc with oral health. Furthermore, research suggests that consuming sports drinks after working out for less than an hour may not be as beneficial as many people believe.
- Soda: Between its acidic nature and high sugar content, soda is well-known to have a devastating impact on the teeth, which is why it’s best consumed in moderation.
What Drinks are Beneficial for Your Child’s Teeth?
When looking for drinks that are good for your child’s smile, consider the following options:
- Water: A refreshing drink of water can help wash away food particles and harmful bacteria, thus lowering your child’s risk for cavities. It can also dilute the acids in the mouth that contribute to decay.
- Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, which are essential nutrients for maintaining healthy, cavity-free teeth. Calcium aids with remineralization, which is a natural process that helps strengthen the enamel and makes it more resistant to future decay. Meanwhile, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium so it can be used.
- Other Types of Milk: Several types of unsweetened milk with added calcium can potentially prove beneficial for your child’s teeth. Examples include soy milk, rice milk, and almond milk.
- Unsweetened Fruit Juice: While 100% unsweetened fruit juice does not have direct benefits for your child’s teeth, it does not contain sugar. Thus, it can be a good alternative to regular commercial fruit juice. As a side benefit, the vitamins in unsweetened fruit juice may promote gum health.
Choosing the right drinks can have a significant impact on your child’s smile in the long run. Be wary of beverages that can cause decay, and keep a careful eye out for alternatives that are better for the teeth.
About the Practice
At Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry, our team is passionate about helping adults and children alike build healthy habits that protect their smiles for years to come. We proudly provide compassionate children’s dentistry for families in Forest Park and the surrounding communities. Whether your child needs a routine checkup or treatment for a cavity, we’re here to help every step of the way. Ready to schedule an appointment for your child with our caring team? Visit our website or call us at (513) 648-9900.