My 4-year-old isn't a big candy eater, but he does drink
lots of juice throughout the day. His front teeth are starting to
become discolored. Could the juice be to blame?
-
Claire
Yes, the juice may be what is causing the problem with your
son's teeth. Studies have found that the sugar in fruit juice
can eat away at tooth enamel, especially if kids are allowed to
drink juice from bottles, cups, or boxes continuously throughout
the day or at bedtime. Decay results when juice pools around a
child's teeth for extended periods of time. Babies who are
allowed to fall asleep with milk bottles in their mouths can
experience the same thing. It's best to limit juice and other
sugary beverages - and avoid putting your child to bed with a
bottle. It's also a good idea for all kids to start
seeing a dentist after their first birthday.
For more information, check out these articles:
Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy
Fluoride and Water
When Should I Start Brushing My Child's Teeth?
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2006
Originally reviewed by:
Neil Izenberg, MD
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