Your child may love sipping on a refreshing drink, but many childhood beverages are packed with sugar. The sugar content in these drinks feeds the bacteria in your child’s mouth, causing excess acid production. Acid then damages teeth and causes cavities. This guide will outline several drinks that contain sugar and provide ways for parents to control cavity risk through better dental care. 

What Drinks Can Damage Your Child’s Teeth?

1. Soda

A classic at birthday parties and movie theaters, many children sip on soda from time to time. However, soda is packed with sugar and acid. The best way to protect your child’s teeth from the adverse effects of soda is to limit their consumption. Allow soda only on special occasions and encourage your child to brush their teeth soon after they drink. 

2. Juice

While you might think that juice is a healthy alternative to soda, some brands contain just as much sugar. Be sure your child enjoys juice in moderation. You might consider cutting the beverage with water to reduce the amount of sugar content per serving. Shop with dental care in mind, looking for juices that contain little sugar.

3. Sports Drinks

Studies have found that sports drinks may pose more of a risk to teeth than soda. Since these beverages are full of acid and sugar, they can lead to tooth decay if consumed in excess. To prevent these drinks from harming your child’s teeth, make sure they are only consuming sports drinks during athletic activities. You should also encourage them to drink water along with the sports drinks to rinse their mouth of excess sugar. 

4. Chocolate Milk

If your child does not enjoy regular milk, you might give them chocolate milk to encourage calcium intake for better dental care. However, this can introduce unnecessary sugar into your child’s diet. Try reducing the amount of chocolate in your child’s drink going forward. This can enhance the flavor—without making the milk too sugary. Over time, your child will get used to the flavor. 

The best way to protect your child from tooth decay is to schedule regular appointments with their dentist. Ronald W. Ristow, DDS, is committed to providing exemplary dental care for your whole family. Located in Oconto Falls, WI, this dentist and his team provide general and cosmetic dentistry services in their relaxing office environment. Whether you are due for a routine cleaning or dental implants, they will curate your treatment to fit your dental health needs. To view a full list of their services, visit them online, or call (920) 846- 3163 to schedule an appointment for you or your child.