Can Fruit Juice Cause Tooth Decay?

The idea that sugar can cause tooth decay has been drilled into us since we were children. Whether it is candy, a sugary drink, or even fruit, anything sweet in excess can harm our oral health.

Cavities are generally caused by sugar, which allows harmful bacteria to settle on teeth in the salivary film in our mouth. In the case of fruit juices, they also contribute to harming your oral health. 

It is almost as damaging to the body as sugary drinks due to the acidity of fruit juices. Juices made from citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemonade, grapefruit, etc. can break down the enamel in the longer run. 

So, it is very important to control the consumption of such drinks to keep your dental health in check. But you must be thinking that fruit juices are supposed to be healthy. However, it is not always the case.

And in this article, we are going to discuss how it can harm your oral health. And why you should think before consuming it regularly. 

Why should you consume fruit juice in moderation? 

There are various pieces of research that state that routine consumption of citrus juices like of orange decreases the hardness of tooth enamel by almost 84%. A natural product is not necessarily “good” and the same goes for juices. 

Natural ingredients, such as minerals and plants, can be highly toxic. Natural products should never be assumed to be safe to consume or used in high quantities. And with that, it is important to understand that fruit juice isn’t natural. 

Basically, it comes under the processed food category. In order to concentrate the fruit juice, skin, pulp, seeds, and other parts of the natural fruit are removed which creates an imbalance in the natural property.

That also causes the loss of many essential nutrients present in the whole fruit. That in turn disturbs the natural environment of the mouth and can also cause tooth decay in the longer run. 

The acidity and sugar in the fruit juice can cause tooth decay

Sugar concentrations in fruit juices are higher than in whole fruits. So, the acidity and sugar content in your mouth solely depends on the way you consume the fruit. 

If you consume it as a whole then it causes less damage because the acids are released more slowly when you chew fruit, and saliva dilutes them further and reduces their pH level and acidity.

However, when you drink fruit juice, you are directly bathing your teeth in acids. So, there is a high chance of getting cavities or tooth decay.

How can you avoid tooth damage from fruit Juice?

Here are a few things that you can keep in mind while drinking citrus juice to avoid damage to your teeth:

• You should not sip on your drink for long periods of time. Try to drink the sweet drinks all at once instead of sipping them slowly over time.  This increases the chances of you protecting your teeth.
• It is best to drink it with food. Consider incorporating it into your meal rather than drinking it between meals. Sugar or acid damage can be minimized by ingesting carbohydrates and proteins during the meal.
• It is beneficial to drink juices through a straw.  Consequently, tooth decay is less likely to occur due to less liquid contact with teeth.
• The water is often dismissed as bland and flavorless, but it’s the safest method to satisfy your thirst without damaging your oral health and it keeps you hydrated. The soda will leave your teeth with sugars and acids, so take a sip of water after drinking it.

These were some of the tips which you can adopt while drinking juices. And lastly, if you see any symptoms of tooth decay you must visit your dentist as soon as possible.