The health benefits of drinking water are extensive, contributing to everything from regenerating cells to maintaining a healthy weight. Plus, it’s essential for children’s oral health. Here is a breakdown of why dentists recommend children drink water instead of soda or juice and how to encourage the habit.

The Benefits of Drinking Water

Water Contains No Sugar

Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice will damage children’s teeth. The sugars in these beverages stick to enamel, fueling oral bacteria to create acids. The acids then eat away at the enamel, leading to cavities.

Even with twice-daily brushing, regular sugary beverage intake can lead to cavities and even the need for an emergency trip to the dentist.

Water contains no sugar, so it won’t contribute to cavity development. It also washes away the food left in your child’s mouth before the bacteria can turn it into acids.

Drinking Water Builds Good Habits

Food preferences are formed in infancy and early childhood. Providing your kids with water lays the groundwork for them to prefer this choice throughout their life, which will protect their oral health. Have sugary drinks as occasional treats rather than daily occurrences. 

How to Encourage Drinking Water

Make drinking water exciting. Let your children pick out a special cup for drinking water and decorate it if they wish. Then keep a cold jug of water in the refrigerator, and allow your children to fill their own cups. They’ll not only get excited to use their special cups but also learn to hydrate themselves independently.

If drinking water is an uphill battle, try flavoring the water with pieces of fruit, like berries or citruses.

In addition to maintaining your child’s oral health with water, they need dental exams. For their next visit, turn to Honolulu Keiki Dental. The children’s dentistry clinic offers comprehensive services, including regular cleanings, orthodontics, and restorative dentistry. For their commitment to young patients, they’ve been voted among the best pediatric dentists in the state since 2009. Learn more about their treatments on their website, or call them at (808) 944-1603 to make an appointment. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more dental tips.