Proper Use of Sippy Cups for Healthy Teeth
Sippy cups can be a great transitional tool for toddlers moving from baby bottles to regular cups, but if not used correctly, they can contribute to tooth decay. Though effective in preventing spills, many parents continue to use sippy cups well past the age when children could start drinking from an adult-sized cup. This extended use has led to an increase in pediatric cavities, often referred to as “baby bottle cavities,” especially in children between the ages of two and five.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents schedule a “well-baby” checkup with a pediatric dentist about six months after the first tooth emerges. At this visit, a pediatric dentist can educate parents on proper sippy cup use, oral care routines, and how to break undesirable oral habits.
When Should My Child Start Using a Sippy Cup?
A sippy cup should be introduced when your child is physically able to grasp it. Ideally, it should be phased out when your child is capable of using an adult-sized cup, which typically happens around age one. Since a child's first teeth emerge early on, it is important to start a proper oral care routine as soon as the first tooth appears.
During the sippy cup phase, pediatric dentists recommend the following guidelines:
- Fill sippy cups with water whenever possible; avoid sugary liquids.
- Remove the sippy cup when the child has finished drinking; don’t allow continuous sipping.
- Avoid letting the child take a sippy cup to bed, unless it contains water.
- Don’t use a sippy cup as a comfort object, especially if it contains sugary liquids.
- Rinse the sippy cup frequently with water to remove germs.
- If sugary liquids are necessary, provide them during mealtime when saliva production is at its peak.
How Do Sippy Cups Contribute to Tooth Decay?
Sippy cups don’t directly cause tooth decay; it’s the sugary liquids often placed in them that are the real issue. Common sugary liquids like breast milk, baby formula, fruit juice, soda, and sweetened water are the culprits.
Since many sippy cups only release a small amount of fluid at a time, sugars are constantly swishing around the child's teeth. The bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, producing acids that attack tooth enamel and make teeth vulnerable to decay. Cavities, or caries, can even form between teeth, which may be hard to detect. Regular visits to your pediatric dentist are essential for monitoring tooth health and ensuring early detection of any developing cavities.
Which Sippy Cup Should I Choose for My Child?
Not all sippy cups are created equal. The American Dental Association (ADA) offers these tips for selecting a good sippy cup:
- Avoid "No-Spill" Valves: These cups tend to release only a small amount of liquid at a time, which can increase the time sugary liquids stay in the child’s mouth.
- Opt for a Spout: A spout-equipped sippy cup with a snap-on or screw-on lid is ideal. These cups encourage better drinking habits than those that resemble baby bottles.
- Two Handles Are Better Than One: To help your child transition smoothly to adult-sized cups, choose sippy cups with two handles. This encourages the use of both hands, preparing them for larger cups.
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