Ribena - have i been really stupid?

[Prinpo]

Thanks to another thread, I've only just remembered all the controversy there was over Ribena and its effect on children's teeth that was around years ago.

As I'd forgotten all about it, I've gradually been allowing my youngest (5) to have Ribena as her preferred drink (she likes it warm). It's a good way to get a lot of liquid into her and, as she born with a complication with one of her kidneys, it's important that we do this. DD1 isn't too bothered and mainly has water, with the odd juice.

They both brush well twice a day, have regular check-ups and have no problems so far with their teeth. Obviously, in an ideal world DD2 would be happy with milk and water but, given that she's developed a liking for Ribena, do I need to be strict and not let her have any (other than the odd one when out and about) or are the risks from Ribena no more significant than those from other juice?

Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.

[Prinpo]

Aargh, should be capital I in the title.

[onepieceoflollipop]

I think (but am no expert) that the sugar in ribena would be the same as the sugar in any other squash/pure juice/fruit juice based drink?

If I was desperate to get my child to drink more, then I would let her have ribena, possibly with a meal and then give milk/water between meals.

Don't brush teeth immediately after meals/sugar. (can't remember exactly why, something about it just spreading it further round your teeth if you have only just eaten/drank)

[DaphneHeartsFred]

I don't think the risks are any more significant than any other now. Stick to sugar free, and obviously try and limit it as much as possible. I'd say the same for all squash.

[onepieceoflollipop]

iirc some of the controversy was children being given it in bottles and at bedtime etc which is bad for teeth for obvious reasons. :)

[Frog253]

Drinking with straws is better for teeth and could you gradually reduce the concentration of the Ribena to a dribble in a cup? Isn't there a sugar free version of Ribena? If teeth have been good so far sounds like there's nothing to worry about, but if you are worried I would def dilute more and use a straw. HTH

[MenaZovut]

er... my 10m/o occasionally gets it as he has been known to refuse drink/ food to the point of dehydration (seriously, A&E trips). Not ideal, but if needs must and all that. I'm just strict on teeth brushing and save it for around mealtimes as the extra salvia gives better protection. His dietician say to follow the 10 parts water to 1 part ribena rule.

[onepieceoflollipop]

OP is it best for your dd to avoid artificial sweetners due to her health issues? Or indeed you may prefer to avoid sugar free for other reasons as some of us do. :)

[Prinpo]

Yes, I have been avoiding the sugar free, although once again I'm not entirely sure that I'm right in doing so. I have the vague notion that I'd rather she had proper sugar, rather than sweetener. Again, though, there doesn't seem to be a consensus on sweeteners and it seems that a lot of the concerns were based on poor evidence.

I may give her dentist a call in the morning and see what he thinks. Unless he says otherwise, I think that I'll continue to allow it but perhaps restrict it a little and try to tie it in with mealtimes. I'll follow Frog's tip about gradually reducing the concentration too.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[onepieceoflollipop]

Good idea re ringing dentist :)

I am very inconsistent in my decision making re sugar v sugar free! On the whole I give them pure juice well diluted, generally with meals. Water and milk at other times.

[rockinhippy]

We were recommended Ribena by the nutritionalist at the hospital (Dd also needs to drink lots for health reasons, but hates water, though she also sometimes needs the sugars due to dehydration)

Nutritionalist said that juices & squashes are all pretty similar with sugars, just different types of sugars - our Dentist agreed, he said its cleaning teeth often & properly thats important - he did say that drinking with a straw can help, as it sends the drink to the back of the mouth, away from the teeth, but proper cleaning is the key - we even let DD(now 8, but since 6) have gum now on his recommendation -

Will your DD drink diluted Fruit juice though?? - our DD drinks a lot of that too - orange juice with 2/3rds water, apple 50/50 are nice & refreshing too

Our DD can't have anything sugar free, it makes her very ill - nasty stuff IMHO anyway

[bruffin]

I thought the problem isn't just sugar but the acid from the fruit. I would dilute it as much as you can get away with.