We often get asked by our patients “what is the problem with drinking juice- it’s healthier than soda isn’t it?” We wanted to find out exactly what the verdict is on juice and oral health so we did some homework.......Here is what Fitday.com had to say about juice and its affects on oral health:
Fruit juice is often touted as a means of
benefiting from concentrated amounts of all the nutrients available in fruit,
such as vitamin C and antioxidants. Drinking fruit juice can help to lower the
chances of heart disease, cancer and even Alzheimer's disease. In some cases, such as with
cranberries, the juice is more palatable than the berries themselves. However,
fruit juice is not entirely safe and beneficial, and can harm your teeth in
different ways.
Fruit Juice Contains Sugar
Sugar is well known as a
substance that is harmful to teeth. It is consumed by bacteria in the mouth and
converted to an acid which wears away teeth and causes cavities. Dental plaque is the buildup of these
bacteria on the tooth surface. The bacteria can also irritate the gums, leading
to gum disease which can weaken teeth and eventually
cause them to fall out. Juice often has added sugar, in which case it is known
in the US as a
juice cocktail or juice drink. Even pure fruit juices contain large amounts of
naturally occurring sugars which can affect teeth. In fact, a pure fruit juice
may contain more sugar than a soda.
Fruit Juice Wears Away Enamel
The enamel on your teeth is more
fragile than it seems. While it is affected by the acid released by mouth
bacteria, it can be worn down even faster by the acids in common fruit juices.
Fruit juices, such as lime or cranberry, can be more acidic than vinegar and
when consumed excessively, can wear down tooth enamel over time, leading to
cavities, sensitive teeth and eventual tooth loss. Fruit juice is often used as
a substitute for sodas for children, in the belief that the juice will cause
less tooth decay. But in fact, it will often cause more damage as it is more
acidic (although the juice is far more nutritious). Orange juice in particular
has been studied and has been found to decrease tooth hardness and roughen the
surface of teeth, leaving them more prone to plaque and cavities.
How to Prevent Tooth Damage
Limiting consumption of fruit juice,
and/or drinking juice diluted with water will decrease the amount of damage
done by juice to teeth. Brushing regularly and particularly after drinking
juice can help to control the levels of
bacteria on teeth. Some experts recommend drinking juice with a straw to limit
contact with teeth, and juice should never be held in or swished around the
mouth before swallowing. Drinking juice quickly is better than sipping it over
a longer period of time. Some studies have
indicated that increased fluoride may help to lessen the effects of fruit juice
on teeth, so use toothpaste with fluoride if possible.
Fruit juice has many beneficial
qualities. However, switching to whole fruit, moderating fruit juice intake and
otherwise limiting the exposure of teeth to fruit juice will help ensure that
teeth stay healthy.
We
encourage our patient’s to live a healthy lifestyle and remember.... moderation
is the key to success!!
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