Almost every mother can be seen giving their toddler juice, when they're thirsty, or simply to give the child something to do. It's common, because many people assume fruit juice is just as healthy as whole fruits, but that's not really the case. In fact, frequent juice drinking can become a primary factor in causing tooth decay in toddlers.
What's Wrong with Juice?
Even when parents read the nutrition labels, they may not realize that fruit juices have high concentrations of sugar in them. We know soda is damaging to our teeth and gums, because it contains acids that can eat away at enamel and bone, but the sugar is just as harmful. While fruit juices may not contain those harmful acids, they do share similar sugar content.
Unfortunately, parents don't realize the harm they're doing and allow toddlers to drink juice far too frequently. Toddlers should be limited in their fruit juice consumption, it is recommended that juice be considered a sweet treat to be given in small quantities and infrequently.
Whole fruits are much better for toddlers and children, because they provide more nutritional value. They don't contain the higher concentrations of sugar added during the manufacturing process, which is largely responsible for tooth decay. Additionally, whole fruits contain fiber and flavonoids, which help control hunger cravings and prevent overeating.
The Bottle Makes Matters Worse
Another bad habit parents develop is putting a toddler to bed with a bottle, which is often filled with juice or milk. This practice has led to a condition now known as "baby bottle tooth decay," because the activity of sucking on the bottle allows the sugar to linger in the mouth. You may think there's no difference in how a child drinks, but there is actually more harm done to oral health via bottle drinking.
When a toddler drinks from a cup, the juice passes quickly past the teeth and gums. While the sugar can still do damage, it's limited in how long it has to cause damage to the teeth. However, when slowly sucking juice through the nipple of a bottle, the sugar has more time to linger and attack teeth. The bacteria in the mouth attacks sugar and breaks it down into acid. This acid attaches to the teeth that it comes into contact with and eats away at the enamel. This is why the front teeth are the first ones to show sign of tooth decay in toddlers.
How Can You Improve Your Toddler's Oral Health?
Learning this information, you may be wondering how to promote better oral health and how to limit the risks of tooth decay. The first thing recommended is limiting the toddler's beverage consumption to water. Almost anything else you can give your child will contain high amounts of sugar, which will eat away at the child's developing teeth. If the child wants something with flavour, it's better to blend them a smoothie with fresh fruits rather than provide sugary drinks.
Additionally, it is suggested to avoid using bottles or sippy cups. While they may help prevent spills, they do serious damage to the toddler's teeth. It's best to limit the damage sugar can do to your child's oral health, even if it means having to clean up the occasional spill. Drinking through a regular cup will help the sugars pass more quickly and prevent tooth decay from becoming a common concern.
Finally, be wary of the juices you're buying for your toddler. Stay away from artificial juice drinks and look for beverages that contain 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Even when buying the healthier juice, you should still limit juice consumption to between one half and three-quarters of a cup each day. Getting your child used to drinking water early will also help curb sugar consumption, as they grow older.
Above all, you should seek out a dentist, such as our oral health professionals at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre located in South Ottawa. Routine exams and frequent dental cleanings can help ensure your toddler maintains healthy and strong teeth. Contact us today to book an appointment to learn more ways to help your toddler avoid the decay that sugar and other substances can cause.
