Introduction
With people trying to live healthier lives these days, it isn’t surprising that they’re adding more wholesome items into their diets. Raw veg and fruit replace crisps and sweets, and more people eat whole grain bread instead of white. More people drink fruit juice instead of sugary soda – but this is something that dentists give stern warnings on. But isn’t juice supposed to be healthier than drinks that are little more than sugared water?
Sugar in Juice
The culprit, surprisingly, is still sugar. Many commercially available juices contain approximately the same amount of sugar as artificially flavoured sodas and energy drinks. In particular, grape and apple juices can be even sweeter, chalking up to 50% more sugar per millilitre.
Why is Fruit Juice Bad for the Teeth?
Sugar isn’t the only ingredient that can ruin your teeth. Fruit juice acids cause almost as much damage. Citrus juices such as orange, grapefruit, and lemonade made from scratch can wear down tooth enamel. Studies show that frequent consumption of orange juice reduces the hardness of tooth enamel by nearly 84%.
But this doesn’t mean that you should stop drinking juice. After all, it does supply vitamins and minerals that the body needs. However, it would help if you changed your juice-drinking habits and some dental preventative care to avoid damage to your pearly whites.
What Can I Do to Minimise Damage to My Teeth from Fruit Juice?
- Try not to have your drink over a long period of time
If you’re going to have a sweet drink, try to have all the drink in one go rather than sipping on it for hours. By reducing the amount of time the sugar and acid stay off your teeth, the better chance you have of protecting your teeth. - Drink it With a Meal
Instead of drinking it down between meals, make it a part of the meal. Carbohydrates and proteins ingested in the course of the meal will help minimise sugar or acid damage. - Use a Straw
Sipping juices through a straw minimises the liquid’s contact with teeth, reducing the possibility of damaging tooth enamel. - Make it a Treat
Finally, instead of guzzling it at all times, treat juices like candy and other sweets: make it a treat or a reward you can enjoy. - Stick with Water
Many people turn their noses up at the water, finding it flavourless and bland, but it’s safe to say that it is the safest way of quenching your thirst without damaging your teeth, and keeps you hydrated. It is also advisable to take a sip of water after drinking juice to wash down any sugars and acids left on one’s teeth.You might also like to know about:
• What Stains Your Teeth The Most?
• What Foods Help Strengthen Teeth?
