Fruit Juices

Good for those who are not eating enough fruit, but not a replacement.

Limit intake to one glass per day. Try to get used to drinking fruit juice diluted with water to increase your water intake and to stretch out the fruit juice and prevent blood sugar surges. The best fruit juices are those that are 100% fruit juice with no added sugar.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines allow for one-half cup (4 ounces) of juice daily for children ages one to six years and 1½ cups (six ounces) of juice daily for older children. According to the AAP drinking too much juice can contribute to obesity, the development of cavities (dental caries), diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive gas, bloating and abdominal pain.

Protect your smile by drinking everything through a straw. Position the straw towards the back of your mouth. "This will limit the amount of time the beverage is in contact with your teeth," says Dr. William Lee, member of the Massachusetts Dental Society, president of the Massachusetts Academy of General Dentistry, and a general dentist in Dorchester.