My son isn't a big candy eater, but he does drink lots of juice throughout the day. His front teeth are starting to become discolored. Could the juice be to blame?
- Claire

Yes, the juice could be causing the problem with your son's teeth. Studies have found that the sugar in fruit juice can eat away at tooth enamel, especially if kids are allowed to drink juice from bottles, cups, or boxes continuously throughout the day or at bedtime.

Decay results when juice pools around a child's teeth for extended periods. Babies who are allowed to fall asleep with milk bottles in their mouths can experience the same thing.

It's best to limit juice and other sugary beverages — and avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle. It's also a good idea for all kids to start seeing a dentist after their first birthday.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2012

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