Acid in fruit drinks pose threat to kids’ teeth
Dental experts are sounding the alarm about the dangers posed by fruit juice and sports drinks on kids’ teeth.
Researchers say that acid contained in some beverages, along with night time tooth grinding and common acid reflux, are a “triple threat,” that can cause erosion and “lifelong damage” to teeth.
The study was done at the University of Adelaide in Australia. The findings were published in the Journal of Dentistry.
“Such erosion can lead to a lifetime of compromised dental health that may require complex and extensive rehabilitation – but it is also preventable with minimal intervention,” said study author Dr. Sarbin Ranjitkar, in a news release.
Study leaders say it’s better for parents to offer fresh fruit to their kids instead of acid-laden drinks.
“Our research has shown that permanent damage to the tooth enamel will occur within the first 30 seconds of high acidity coming into contact with the teeth. This is an important finding and it suggests that such drinks are best avoided,” Dr. Sarbin Ranjitkar said.
Dr. Leo Morton, a pediatric dentist in Hoffman Estates, Ill., and dental division director of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital says he believes regular dental visits are essential for kids and their parents to head off problems early.
“I believe all adult patients should visit their dentist twice per year. While most people do not get their teeth professionally cleaned and examined two times per year, they should, in order to maximize prevention.”
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Fruit drinks contain a lot of sugar. If parents want their kids to have healthy teeth, they should definitely substitute to drink water, milk, and other non-sugar beverages. 🙂