There’s a certain line of logic, which isn’t totally unreasonable, that says fruit is good for you, and therefore, fruit juice must be good for you, too. That same logic may also lead you to believe that if the fruit has vitamins and minerals that are good for your teeth, fruit juice must also be good for your teeth.
However, ask any general dentist in Webster what they think of these ideas, and they’ll give you a decidedly different response.
There are a few flaws in the idea that fruit juice might be good for your teeth, and these are important to understand if you want to maintain excellent oral health. The truth is that the negatives outweigh the positives with fruit juice, and it really isn’t good for your teeth at all.
Fruit Juice Is Full of Sugar
Fruit is delicious primarily because it’s so sweet, but while the sugar found in your average apple is something you should certainly be aware of, it’s not something that will send you soaring past your recommended daily intake in a few bites. On the other hand, Apple juice is packed with sugar, and it can be easy to drink your daily intake in a little more than a single eight-ounce cup.
Sugar is processed by bacteria in the mouth, creating acid which wears away at the enamel of your teeth and causes cavities. Overconsumption of any sugar-packed drink like fruit juice will contribute to tooth decay in the long run.
Fruit Juice Is Acidic
Not only does the sugar in fruit juice help create cavity-causing acids in your mouth, but the fruit juice itself is also acidic, which means the potential for enamel erosion is even more significant. And while you might be imagining that only something citrusy like orange juice is acidic, you might be shocked to know that both apple and grape juice are more acidic than orange juice.1
The Health Benefits of Consuming Juice Aren’t as Great as You May Think
Fruit may be good for you, but fruit juice does not offer nearly as many health benefits. This is because fruit juice loses most of the fiber and many of the vitamins and minerals fruit has to offer while also increasing the amount of sugar and acidity. In other words, it’s incorrect to assume that fruit juice is good for you because it’s made from fruit.
Protecting Your Teeth when Drinking Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is not great for you, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid it at all costs. Follow these tips for consuming fruit juice, and you should be able to protect your oral health easily.
Moderate
Your body doesn’t need all that sugar you can find in fruit juice, nor do your teeth, but if you enjoy fruit juice, you can still have it occasionally, provided you work to keep those occasions few and far between.
Opt for Whole Fruit
You can get much of the joy of drinking fruit juice by simply eating the fruit that it comes from. You’ll be getting a lot more fiber, vitamins, and minerals and a lot less sugar. Remember that fruit is still sugary and acidic, so rinsing your mouth after eating and moderating your intake are both good ideas.
Rinse Your Mouth After Drinking
One of the easiest ways to protect your teeth against the enamel-wearing, cavity-causing sugars and acids in fruit juice is to rinse your mouth with water soon after consuming juice. It won’t entirely clear your mouth of these undesirable elements, but it can go a long way when combined with regular brushing and flossing.
Looking for a General Dentist in Webster?
Many more misconceptions exist about what is and is not good for your teeth. If you need a general dentist in Webster to help get you up to speed on your oral health habits so you can better protect your oral health, contact Empire Dental Care today at 585-671-1650.
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