Sippy Cups and Teeth

Sippy cups, also known as training cups, are necessary for toddlers and young children. What parents may not realize, is that there is a way to misuse them. At Kidz Connextion, our doctors strive to maintain your child’s smile regardless of age, and the primary goal is to protect them from tooth decay. It’s important to know that when purchasing a “no-spill” cup for your child, that you put the right beverages inside it to protect their pearly whites.

While parents may desire to keep this training cup with their child for a long period of time, it’s ideal for young children to use them when transitioning from a baby bottle to a regular cup. During this time period, be sure to limit sugary beverages to your child, as these sweet drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay. If it’s hard to break the sippy cup habit, be sure to fill it with water in between mealtimes. If your child fights you on this, it doesn’t hurt to add a little water to their lemonade or other sweet drink to dilute the sugars. Doing so gives them a better chance of transitioning to a regular cup with a healthy smile.  

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.