Juice is often marketed as a healthy option for children, but when it comes to juice and child dental health, there’s a hidden downside. Many fruit juices are loaded with natural sugars that can contribute to early tooth decay — especially in toddlers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children under one year of age should not drink juice at all. For older children, juice should be limited and offered only during meals. This reduces the amount of time sugar is in contact with teeth, which lowers the risk of cavities.

Instead of juice, encourage your child to drink water or eat whole fruits. Whole fruits contain fiber and are far less likely to cause tooth damage. If your child does consume juice, avoid letting them sip it throughout the day in bottles or sippy cups. Prolonged exposure to sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay in kids.

At our Fair Lawn dental office, Dr. Mary Mancuso and her team focus on helping parents make informed decisions. We provide dental health tips, regular checkups, and preventive care tailored to every stage of childhood.

Remember: Healthy habits start early. Limiting juice is a simple, effective step toward protecting your child’s smile for life.

For more on early dental care, visit our Child Dentistry page.