Can Too Much Juice Lead to Gum Problems?

Juice is refreshing and delicious, and many of us like to reach for a glass of it to accompany our breakfasts in the morning. It’s full of vitamins and minerals as well, giving the impression that it’s healthful and nutritious. But juice also has something else in it: sugar. While juice can have a bounty of health benefits, is it damaging your gums?

Avoiding a Glass of Fresh-Squeezed Gum Disease

While juice isn’t some nutritionally void poison, it’s important to be realistic about what is in it. Sure, it’s full to the brim with essential vitamins and nutrients, but it’s also packed full of sugar, which makes it so tasty in the first place.

Unfortunately, you’re not the only one who likes sugar. Bacteria love sugar, and the bacteria found in your mouth will see the sugar in a glass of juice as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Natural sugar, after all, is still sugar.

If you still want your juice, it’s a wise idea to take steps to prevent gum disease from drinking it. Follow your glass of juice with a glass of water to help rinse away some of the sugar. Mouthwash can also help, if you have some on hand. Since you’re a sane and reasonable person and you didn’t brush your teeth before enjoying a glass of orange juice, you can definitely brush your teeth afterward.

If you’re still craving that sweet, delicious flavor of juice but you want to take care of your teeth, why not reach for a piece of fresh fruit, instead? That way you’re getting the whole package of fruit, complete with fiber and not just a mouthful of sugar. Or, if you want something filling, you can reach for a glass of milk instead, which has been shown to have benefits that can aid your teeth.

In addition to brushing twice a day and flossing nightly – and avoiding too much sugar from juice! – you also need to schedule regular dental appointments to help take care of your teeth and gums. Please give our office a call and schedule your exam today and allow us to clean your beautiful smile!