The Worst Drinks for Your Kids' Teeth

Hydration is important to health. Not all ways to hydrate are created equal, however, especially when it comes to your kids’ teeth. Some drinks, like water and milk, are generally considered healthy drinks where teeth are concerned. Others, not so much. In fact, some of the other drinks that kids most commonly consume make the list of the worst drinks for teeth.

Soda

Soda may be the first drink that comes to mind when thinking about drinks that just aren’t good for teeth. Between the carbonation and the stunning volumes of sugar in each drink, it’s easy to see why soda makes the list. Darker or heavily colored sodas may have a reputation for staining teeth, but the truth is that all sodas are bad for them. Save soda for special occasions and try to make the available selections ones that are lighter in color to reduce the staining effect on your kids’ enamel.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are a popular choice for athletes of all ages. While they can provide some electrolytes, they’re also loaded with sugar. They may be less damaging than soda since they tend to have about two thirds the amount of sugar and aren’t carbonated. Still, that’s a lot of sugar that’s bathing your kids’ teeth with every gulp. Unless your kid is doing some super intense training or exercise, they probably aren’t going to need the electrolytes either. It’s just better to stick with water.

Juice

Juice is delicious. Thanks to its nutritional content, it’s easily the best drink for you on this list, but it can still do damage to teeth. Juices tend to be on the acidic side, plus they still have a lot of sugar. Choose fresh juice for the most health benefits. It will still have about as much sugar as a similarly sized glass of soda, but it’s hands down the healthier choice. Follow it up with some water to rinse your mouth and wait about 30 minutes before brushing. The acid in the juice can weaken the enamel, and brushing right away can make it worse. Incidentally, the same goes for drinking soda and sports drinks.

There’s more to the health of teeth than just brushing, flossing, and attending a regular six month cleaning check here at Maccaro Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. What your kids eat and drink matters too. Sure, they can have these drinks on occasion. We aren’t saying to cut them out entirely. They should be had in moderation, however, in order to protect the health of the teeth. Don’t forget to wash them down with some water!

See how we help you and your kids prevent problems before they start with regular dental exams and cleanings today!