Key Takeaways

Fruit juice might not be as dangerous for teeth as previously thought

Saliva appears to protect against apple juice

Protective proteins in saliva remain stable after a drink of juice, and recover quickly to protect the teeth

THURSDAY, Sept. 4, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Some parents avoid giving their kids fruit juice, for fear that it might rot their teeth.

But the bad effects of juice on a child’s oral health could be short-lived, thanks to the remarkable properties of saliva, according to a new study.

Saliva protects teeth and gums from bacteria by creating a slippery film on teeth, and also can help repair early damage to tooth enamel, researchers said.

Sipping some apple juice temporarily disrupts this protection, but the effect begins to wear off within 10 minutes,

See Full Page