Pure Fruit Juice - is There a Problem?

[Rainydaze]

Each morning, DS (just turned 3 years old) had a cup of fresh orange juice. He has this as his breakfast is iron-rich, so I hope it helps with absorption. The GP also said it's good to keep him 'regular' as he is constipation prone.

However, I'm worried that this is bad for his teeth. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Thanks!

both mine have fruit juice with breakfast too although I add a splash of water to a) make it less sugary and b) make the carton last longer. As long as his teeth are brushed twice a day they should be fine.

Yes, it is very acidic. You should dilute it with water, half and half.

COuld he drink it through a straw? this is said to be less bad for the teeth as it puts the juice further back in the mouth, kind of bypassing most of the teeth.

DD only has juice very occasionally, but I dont dilute as it is grim diluted! I'd rather she had it 'full fat' but less often!

Dilute it (I always dilute any fruit juice) and look out for added ascorbic acid, which makes it even more acidic. Most cheaper brands have ascorbic acid added (innocently called vit C on some). They do rot teeth as generally saliva is mildly alkaline and teeth don't really like acid, coz it disolves calcium.
BTW, iron rich can be a cause of constipation.

You can actually dilute it to 1 part juice to 5 parts water and it will go towards his five a day.

I recently went on a child nutrition course for this specific age group and this is what we were told.

Fruit is more concentrated in sugars when it is juiced, so you could alternate between fruit juice and a piece of fruit.