Pediatric Dentists Advise Sippy Cup Limits
Many pediatric dentists are concerned that the frequent and prolonged use of sippy cups contributes to tooth decay in toddlers. While sippy cups are a helpful tool for transitioning from baby bottles to regular drinking glasses, their effectiveness in preventing spills has led many parents to continue using them long into toddlerhood. As a result, cavities in young children (often called "baby bottle tooth decay") are becoming increasingly common in children between the ages of two and five.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that parents schedule a "well-baby" dental checkup with a pediatric dentist about six months after the first tooth appears. During this visit, the pediatric dentist can educate parents about appropriate sippy cup use and general oral hygiene practices, as well as offer strategies for addressing unwanted oral habits.
When Should My Child Use A Sippy Cup?
A sippy cup should be introduced when a child first develops the physical ability to hold it. Its use should be phased out as soon as the child has sufficient motor skills to use a regular adult-sized cup, typically around one year old. Children are susceptible to tooth decay as soon as their first teeth emerge, making it essential to establish a good oral care routine as early as possible.
During the sippy cup phase, pediatric dentists offer the following guidelines for parents:
- Avoid filling sippy cups with sugary drinks (choose water whenever possible).
- Do not allow children to sip continuously from a sippy cup (remove the cup once they have finished drinking).
- Do not let children take a sippy cup to bed (unless it contains only water).
- Avoid using sippy cups to comfort a distressed child (especially if they contain sugary liquids).
- Rinse the sippy cup frequently with water to remove germs.
- If sugary drinks must be given, offer them during mealtimes (when saliva production is naturally higher).
How do sippy cups contribute to tooth decay?
Sippy cups themselves don't cause tooth decay. The problem often arises when parents fill them with sugary liquids that promote decay. Examples of these liquids include breast milk, baby formula, fruit juice, soda, and sweetened water.
Because sippy cups release only a small amount of liquid at a time, the sugars in these fluids are constantly washing over and around the child's teeth. Oral bacteria feed on these sugars and produce harmful acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel, weakening it and making it vulnerable to decay. Sometimes, cavities (caries) form between the teeth, which can be difficult to see. Regular checkups with a pediatric dentist are the best way to monitor the health of the teeth and ensure that cavities are not developing.
Which sippy cup should I choose for my child?
Not all sippy cups are created equal. The American Dental Association (ADA) offers the following advice for selecting a good sippy cup:
Avoid “no-spill” valves
Sippy cups with no-spill valves don't actually help the child learn to sip properly. They only release a tiny amount of liquid, meaning that sugars remain in contact with the teeth more frequently.
Choose a spout
Cups with a snap-on or screw-on lid and a spout are preferable to other types. These cups encourage better drinking habits, unlike those that function more like "glorified baby bottles."
Two handles are better than one
The goal of transitioning is to help the child become comfortable using an adult-sized cup. Since larger cups typically require two hands, it's beneficial for the child to develop this habit early.
New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!
