When should my child use a sippy cup?

A sippy cup should be introduced when the child is first physically able to grasp it. Its use should be discontinued as soon as the child has enough motor control to use an adult-sized cup &#; usually around one year of age. Children are at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first teeth emerge from the gums, making it crucial to implement a good oral care routine as early as possible.

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During the sippy cup period, pediatric dentists provide the following guidelines for parents:

&#; Don&#;t fill sippy cups with sugary liquids (opt for water whenever possible).
&#; Don&#;t let children sip continuously from a sippy cup (remove the cup when the child has finished drinking).
&#; Don&#;t let the child take a sippy cup to bed (unless it contains water).
&#; Don&#;t use sippy cups to comfort a distressed child (especially one containing sugary liquids).
&#; Frequently rinse the sippy cup with water to eliminate germs.
&#; If the child must drink sugary liquids, let them do it at mealtime (when saliva production is at its highest levels).

How do sippy cups cause tooth decay?

Sippy cups alone do not cause tooth decay. Oftentimes, the real problem is that parents tend to fill them with sugary, decay-promoting liquids. Examples of such liquids are: breast milk, baby formula, fruit juice, soda, and sweetened water.

Since sippy cups only emit a tiny amount of fluid at a time, the sugars in the fluids are continuously being swashed in and around the child&#;s teeth. Oral bacteria feed on these sugars and produce harmful oral acids. Acids attack the tooth enamel, weakening it and rendering it susceptible to decay. Sometimes cavities (caries) form between the teeth, which are hard to see. Biannual appointments with the pediatric dentist are the best way to monitor the condition of the teeth, and to ensure that cavities are not developing.

Which sippy cup should I choose for my child?

All sippy cups are not created equal. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides the following guidelines for choosing a good sippy cup:

 Avoid &#;no-spill&#; valves &#; In essence, sippy cups with no-spill valves do not advance the child&#;s sipping. They only release a tiny amount of liquid, meaning that sugars are swilling around the mouth more often.

Choose a spout &#; Cups with a snap-on or screwing lid with a spout are preferable to the alternatives. These cups promote good drinking habits, as opposed to being &#;glorified baby bottles.&#;

Two handles are better than one &#; The goal of the transition is to make the child feel comfortable enough to grasp an adult-sized cup. Since larger cups require the use of two hands, it is better for the child to get into this habit early.

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Pediatric Dentistry Question &#; Can a Sippy Cup Help Prevent Against Tooth Decay?

Children are more likely to develop cavities than adults, so pediatric dentistry is essential for a child's oral health. There are many reasons tooth decay is a greater risk for kids, including:

• Weaker tooth enamel
• Greater exposure to germs and bacteria
• Diets higher in sugar

Using a bottle for too long can also cause cavities. Therefore, many dentists recommend switching to a sippy cup to help prevent tooth decay.

The risks of prolonged bottle use

Soft bottle nipples can be a comforting option for fussy children, especially during teething. However, milk contains plenty of sugar, which means chewing on a milk-coated bottle nipple can be problematic. The longer teeth are exposed to sugars, the more acid erosion occurs. This breaks down tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Whether a child chews on a bottle nipple or carries a bottle around to sip on, prolonged bottle use puts children at risk for more cavities.

Introducing sippy cups for healthier teeth

Sippy cups are often recommended in the world of pediatric dentistry to help prevent tooth decay and unnecessary alignment issues. However, using the wrong product or method can actually do more harm than good.

Start at the right age

While it may seem early, most children are ready to start using a sippy cup around six months of age. Babies will not be proficient right away, so nursing or bottle use is still recommended for milk consumption. However, offering water with a sippy cup at meals helps children learn how to use it properly over time. Once children are able to drink well from a sippy cup, start offering it with milk so that bottle use can stop completely by age one. By this time, many baby teeth should have now appeared and need to be protected against decay. 

Choose the right spout

It may be tempting to choose a soft spout cup to make the bottle transition easier. However, these products come with the same temptations and dental health risks as bottle nipples. Most pediatric dentistry experts recommend a hard spout to discourage chewing or lingering with a sippy cup. Once children are comfortable using a hard spout, consider other options that mimic drinking from a real cup, as these can help foster better jaw and palate development.

Offer the right beverages

While a hard-spout sippy cup is certainly better than a bottle for preventing decay, a sippy cup full of juice or other sugary beverages is likely to cause more cavities. By age 1, offer milk only at mealtimes and stick with water throughout the rest of the day. This helps ensure less acid erosion and stronger tooth enamel. Save sweet drinks for special occasions and do not allow children to sip them throughout the day; this can lead to even more decay.

Conclusion

Preventing cavities in young children requires more than just brushing and flossing. Transitioning to the right sippy cup at the proper age can also help prevent tooth decay for a strong and healthy smile. Create a timeline with a dentist so you can set your child up for better oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763- for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

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