Parents warned about acidity levels in fruit drinks
The Sunday Telegraph has investigated the amount of acid contained in various popular fruit drinks and smoothies, leading to warnings about the damage to many children’s teeth.
Recently published official statistics show that dental problems are the third most common cause of juvenile hospital admissions, making this a major issue.
It seems that many parents are giving their children fruit juice and smoothies with the best intentions without realising the harm they may be causing; the combination of sugar and acid is highly corrosive to children’s teeth.
Dr Kate Howard at the Royal College of Surgeons said half of 5-year-olds have suffered tooth enamel damage due to too much acid in their diet.
She added that kids would be better off with a glass of water and a handful of chocolate buttons than fruit juice and a box of raisins.
Acidity is measured using the pH scale – 1 is strongly acidic, and 7 is neutral (water has a pH of 7 and milk is 6.8). Anything below 5.5 will have a destructive effect on tooth enamel.
The most acidic fruit drink identified in the Sunday Telegraph investigation was ‘This Water’ with lemon and limes, described on the label as a “juice drink blended with pure squeezed juices and pure spring water.” The drink had a pH level of 2.7, which makes it more acidic than cider vinegar (at 2.9). In addition, a 420ml bottle also contains 9.5 teaspoons of sugar.
- Meanwhile, drinks such as Tropicana orange juice and Innocent smoothies had acid levels in the 3.3 to 3.8 range.
- Overall, Coca-Cola was the most acidic drink tested, with a pH of 2.5. A 500ml bottle contains 12.5 teaspoons of sugar.
Dr Kate advised parents: “The only healthy drinks for teeth are milk and water. Children are having fruit drinks and smoothies several times a day, when they should be considered a treat, something to have once a week.” Cove Dental and Implant Centre
To neutralise the acidic effect of fruit and fruit juices, it’s best to consume them at meal times rather than as snacks. Calcium-containing foods such as cheese are especially effective at neutralising the acid. Drinking water afterwards and waiting at least an hour before brushing your teeth are also advised.