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Are Some Juices Worse for Your Teeth Than Others?
Posted on 7/23/2020 by Dr. Elizabeth Vivona
Natural doesn't necessarily always translate to good. Some juices may be 100% natural, but can still contain compounds that do not sit well on your dentition. There's a lot of misinformation out there about the effects of juices on oral health, and that's understandable because different juices come with different advantages and disadvantages that can be hard to distinguish. But after reading this piece, you'll have a good grasp of what juices to choose for better oral health.
For starters, you need to understand the key difference between 100% fruit juice and processed fruit juices. 100% fruit juices contain pulp, rind, skin, seed, and other components of natural fruits. On the other hand, processed juice is rid of most of the other components of the fruit, and, in effect, is left bereft of some 90% of fiber, 17% of vitamin C, 33% of proteins, and nearly all calcium and vitamin B6 contents. What's left in processed juice is mostly sugar, which can cause a whole lot of problems, from diabetes to tooth decay, gum problems, and others. Besides, the whole juices contain compounds that help counter the effects of their acidity in the mouth, and removing these compounds exposes the mouth to high levels of acidity that make your mouth more susceptible to bacterial invasion and the degradation of the enamel.
How to Prevent Tooth Damage from Juices
You can start by limiting your consumption of processed juice. Normal oral practices like brushing and using mouthwashes can also help, but you need to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking the juice before you brush. You need to give your enamel some time to re-solidify after it's been softened by the acids in the juice. Also, some juices contain sugar particles that can abrade your teeth when you brush right after drinking the juices, so you also need to give the sugar particles some time to melt away. Want more information about the best mouth-friendly foods and drinks to consume? Our highly informative and affable dental experts are always happy to take your call. Call us today.
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