Sippy Cup Safety Reminders

Parents are often surprised when they find that their toddlers have cavities during their dental checkups. They’re always making sure their kids are brushing, flossing, and eating healthy, but many times they forget that giving their kids sugary drinks in their sippy cups creates a hotbed for cavities. Sippy cups were created to help kids transition from drinking from a bottle to a regular cup, but they’ve become more of a long-term device rather than a transitional one because of how convenient they are for both parents and kids.

When kids sip on sugary beverages for an extended period of time, they’re exposed to a high risk of decay. Here are some reminders for healthy sippy cup use:

• Your child’s sippy cup is a training tool to help them transition into using a regular cup. It should not be used for a long period of time.
• With the exception of mealtime, a sippy cup should only ever be filled with water. Frequently giving your child any other drink in a bottle or training cup can lead to cavities.
• Unless it’s filled with water, avoid giving your child their sippy cup at nap time or bedtime.

Many dentists believe that the misuse of sippy cups stems from many parents waiting too long before taking their little ones to the dentist for the first time. Shortly after your child’s first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday, they should see a dentist. At their first visit, your dentist will make sure you child’s teeth are developing properly and talk to you about proper sippy cup use and more. As your Palm Harbor pediatric dentist, we’re here to help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth! To learn more about caring for your child’s pearly whites, or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Maggie Davis today!