Some beverages can ruin even the healthiest diets. You might be surprised at some of the drinks you thought were good for your children but actually negatively impact both their dental and overall health. Here are a few of the most common drinks you should limit in your child’s diet to avoid premature trips to the dentist.

What Drinks Should You Limit in Your Child’s Diet?

1. Soda

A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola^® has a whopping 39 grams of sugar. To put that into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends that children between 2 and 18 consume no more than 25 grams of sugar each day. Sugar sitting on the teeth is food for the natural bacteria in the mouth, and when they interact, the bacteria produce acids that cause tooth decay.

Carbonated soda is also high in phosphoric and citric acids, which eat through the enamel on your children’s teeth. Enamel cannot be naturally regenerated, so once it’s gone, they will never get it back. If your child does drink soda, have them rinse their mouth out with water immediately to flush away all of that sugar and acid. 

2. Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is just as unhealthy as any other sugary drink. The biggest offenders are grape, apple, and boxed juices. Some options, such as orange juice, are also highly acidic and will eat through the enamel.

Try swapping your fruit juice for 100% freshly squeezed vegetable juices—without any added sugar. Also, don’t give your child a bottle of juice before bed; the sugars will sit on their teeth all night long and cause bacteria growth. 

3. Sports Drinks

While sports drinks replenish electrolytes for the child athlete, they’re mostly just full of sugar. The acidity in these beverages can lead to erosion and plaque formation, which cause gum disease and tooth decay. Dentists recommend that you pack a water for your child’s practice instead since they will also keep the kids hydrated and restore their energy levels. Turn to natural sources of electrolytes instead, such as bananas, celery, and spinach.

4. Chocolate Milk

Since calcium promotes strong teeth and bones, children need a lot of it in their diet. While milk is high in calcium, adding chocolate brings in a lot of harmful sugar, which has the opposite effect that you’re hoping for; the sugar eats through the enamel rather than strengthening it. Instead, stick with normal milk during meals; however, a glass of water is still the best option to drink before bed.

In addition to cutting out sugary beverages, taking your children to a dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup will promote their dental health. Judy Walker, DDS, and her staff are the trusted family dentistry team in Greensboro, NC. They offer a full range of services for the whole family in a warm environment, from teeth whitening to cleanings. Visit them online or call (336) 275-1472 to schedule an appointment.