Spring is here! With warmer weather and more time spent playing outside, staying hydrated is more important than ever. But not all drinks are good for growing smiles! New expert recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other top health organizations highlight which drinks support children’s overall health—and which ones invite unwanted guests like the Mouth Monsters®.
What Kids Drink Matters for Their Teeth
As temperatures rise, kids naturally reach for refreshing drinks. Unfortunately, many popular options like sports drinks, flavored waters, and sodas are loaded with sugar and acids that can weaken enamel and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Even "healthy" options like fruit punches, diet sodas, and energy drinks contain artificial sweeteners and caffeine that don’t support kids' teeth or overall health.
So, what’s the best way to fight off the Mouth Monsters® this spring? According to new health recommendations, the best drinks for kids and teens are plain water and plain pasteurized milk, with limited amounts of 100% fruit and vegetable juice. And if they do enjoy a sweet drink occasionally, have them rinse with water or brush their teeth afterward to wash away harmful sugars.
Making Healthy Hydration Fun This Spring
Hydration doesn’t have to be boring! Get kids excited about making healthy drink choices by giving them their own reusable water bottles in fun spring colors or patterns. Try adding slices of fresh fruit to their water for a refreshing twist without added sugar. At snack time, pair a glass of milk with crunchy, fiber-rich foods like apples or carrots, which naturally help clean teeth.
Spring is all about fresh starts, so why not refresh your family’s drink choices? By making water and milk the go-to drinks, you’re setting your child up for a season full of healthy smiles and Mouth Monster-free adventures!
Download Healthy Beverage Recommendations: A Snapshot