My parents and I disagree over whether I should drink Kroger 2% Milk versus Florida's Natural Orange Juice with Vitamin D and Calcium. I say that orange juice has the same amount of Vitamin D, more Vitamin C, calcium, thiamin, and folate acid, and therefore it would be a healthier choice to drink with dinner. Also, I flat out HATE the taste of milk. My only concerns that I have about this idea is the acid's affect on my teeth (I am supposed to brush after dinner anyways so this shouldn't be too big of a deal), orange juice's lack of protein (I get enough complete proteins as is, so again not a big concern), and the lower amount of Vitamin A.
My parents, on the other hand, say that milk has 'better types of fat' (I am confused about this one), has more protein, is 'nature's nuturing drink', and best of all and my favorite, is 'not a conventional drink to have with dinner'. Also, they say it is better for me and my metabolism if I consume more fats than sugars. I don't get this because I am very active, take in about 4000-5000 calories a day, and am constantly burning off energy and eating.
My question for you is: Given the nutritional contents of both of these items, would it be a better choice for me to drink milk or orange juice with dinner?
I had the same concern about orange juice or any juice with acidity as my dentist told me a little trick to use for protecting the enamel on your teeth. Use a straw when sipping on the juice, put the straw in the middle of your mouth and sip it back into the throat. In this way you avoid the juice coming in contact with your teeth. Also yes, you have to brush your teeth after either soda or juice because they both will cause tooth enamel problems. My dentist also advised to rinse out your mouth with water immediately after the juice or meal, and wait 1/2 hour to brush your teeth. It takes that long for the bacteria to grow back and it does if you brush your teeth right after eating.
Also milk is good for teeth, bone and other nutrients so I would not eliminate it entirely, I used to drink alot of milk when I was younger, and now in my 50's -my bones are very dense and above average.
Hope this helps you,
Those are some great tips and I completely agree with you! Kid's teeth are even more prone to acid erosion from acidic drinks/foods so it's so important to take any and all precautions to prevent damage to their enamel... once it's gone, it's gone for good.
Has your dentist mentioned Sensodyne's new kid's toothpaste ProNamel for Children? It was actually developed to help re-strengthen tooth enamel to protect their teeth from the acidity in their diets!
They also have a ProNamel toothpaste for adults... it's never too late to start preventing further damage.