Women’s Health (12/2) reported that cranberry juice may have oral health benefits due to proanthocyanidins (PACS), compounds that inhibit the growth of oral pathogens and dental plaque bacteria linked to cavities and periodontal disease.
A small 2024 study in Current Developments in Nutrition found that consuming 100-percent cranberry juice reduced plaque bacteria regrowth and acid production. However, cranberry juice cocktail, being high in sugar, could increase cavity risk and enamel erosion. Dietitian Jennifer Hanes advises choosing unsweetened cranberry juice to minimize these risks.