Sippy cups have hard spouts that can affect the structure of the kids’ mouth, jaw, palate, and oral cavity. When this happens, the kids may need orthodontic treatments in the future. Prolonged use of sippy cups can lead to other conditions. Kids can have a speech impairment and sleep concerns.
Parents should use sippy cups the way these are intended to be used. It should be transitional. However, many parents use them for a prolonged period out of convenience. Transition the kids to an adult drinking cup when they begin eating solids at around six months to one year.
Some parents even use sippy cups to introduce sugary drinks to the kids. Pediatric dentists frown at this practice because sugar can cause cavities and tooth decay. The taste will even discourage kids from eating vegetables, fruits, and other essential foods. The kids will likely be dependent on the sweet taste of juice for their meals.
Out of convenience, parents may leave sippy cups with the kids during bedtime. Kids use the sippy cups as a replacement for baby bottles. However, this practice can also impact the kids dental health. Aside from being unhealthy to take sugary drinks before bedtime, kids may suffer from cavities when they sleep without brushing their teeth.
When parents want to teach kids about drinking like adults, a good way to do this is by using a straw. Unlike the rigid spout of the sippy cup, the straw will bend and mold to the shape of the mouth. Kids will also find it easier to drink with a straw than a sippy cup. This practice is a great transition to adult cups.
Parents may sometimes miss out on cleaning the sippy cups. When kids are attached to the cups, parents may just let them because it is easier that way. The inside of the cups and the hard spout may grow bacteria. Parents need to rinse the cups regularly and keep the kids dental health in check.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Houston, TX
Parents use sippy cups to comfort the kids. The cups are also great at preventing spills when the kids are just learning how to drink from adult cups. Remember that it is way better to clean up the mess than watch the kids suffer from dental health problems. As a rule of thumb, bring the kids to a pediatric dentist at around six months to one year old.
Request an appointment or call Memorial Pediatric Dentistry at 281-571-8411 for an appointment in our Houston office.
A knocked out baby tooth can result from a collision, fall, or game. It can be devastating to see your child come to you with a tooth gap. The first thing to do is stay calm. Caring for the tooth is important for re-implantation. If you want to know how to care for your child’s…
Your child's teeth will develop and change as they age. Likewise, the kind of dental care they need will change over time. The adult teeth may not develop properly without proper oral care, leading to gum disease and decay problems. Talking to a pediatric dentistry professional and asking the appropriate questions may help better care…
Parents should focus on cavity prevention tips for the babies as early as possible. Preventing cavities should start at a young age. Bring your babies to a pediatric dentist the moment they start eating solid food. The dentist will then give you advice on how to take care of your kids’ oral and dental health.Cavities…
A knocked out baby tooth can result from a collision, fall, or game. It can…
Your child's teeth will develop and change as they age. Likewise, the kind of dental…
Parents should focus on cavity prevention tips for the babies as early as possible. Preventing…
Pediatric dentists may use sedation to put children at ease during dental procedures. These dentists…
Pediatric dentistry professionals always warn against foods that can ruin a child’s teeth. Parents must…
Are you wondering whether your child's dental visit should include X-rays? Read on to find…
