Sugary Drinks Are Harmful to Babies Teeth

We all know that some of the common kid's drinks on today's market are loaded with sugar...maybe even moreso than years ago, although I raised my children in an era when it was common to give them "jello water" in their baby bottles. Goodness knows we are much better informed today! However there are some misconceptions about healthy "fruit drinks" that you might not have considered. Fruit juices, (even the organic, naturally sweetened ones) still contain sugar in other forms. Additionally, the acidic content in fruit juices is harmful to children's teeth! Diet Soda is another culprit...the acid can eat away at tooth enamel, especially in children whose teeth are in the formative stages. It is recommended that in babies 6 months to 2 years that you dilute fruit juices with water and only allow these types of drinks with a meal. Never let them go to sleep with a sugary drink in their bottle or a sippy cup, and begin brushing their teeth as soon as the first one appears in their mouth, usually age 6 months. They do make baby toothbrushes, and toothpaste isn't really necessary...but the sooner you start the better. And starting them young helps to ensure that they will adopt healthy hygiene habits as they get older!

Keep them smiling!