Sippy Cup in Leduc
Sippy Cup Near You
Nearly every, if not all, babies and toddlers use a sippy cup; it’s a great way for parents to provide them with liquified nutrients and keep them hydrated without having to worry about spills. But, just like pacifier use and thumb-sucking, if your child engages in prolonged sippy cup use, it may lead to early tooth decay and cavities.
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Pediatric dentists recommend helping your child leave behind their sippy cup after they turn 1 year old. If you need help with this, don’t hesitate to contact our team of dentists today.
Things to Remember About Sippy Cups
A sippy cup is by no means a bad tool – in fact, it helps your child learn to drink properly and be independent. It also helps their motor skills develop by having to grasp and hold onto the cup itself. While they are using a sippy cup, there are some things that you, as a parent, should keep in mind:
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Avoid putting sugary liquids in sippy cups. Stick with water, otherwise, bacteria can build up on the cup and in your baby’s mouth.
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Once they’re done drinking, put the cup out of their reach.
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Don’t let them use it in bed. If the bacterium from the cup sits inside their mouths overnight, it can trigger early decay.
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Be sure to wash out the sippy cup regularly.
Sippy Cups and Tooth Decay
It is not the cup itself that leads to tooth decay but the particles that stick to it. Liquids like juice, milk, and baby formula contain sugars and those sugars invite bacteria to form and linger. The bacteria can amalgamate easily and contribute to decay if it’s left to sit on the cup and the tissues inside your baby’s oral cavity. Eventually, tooth enamel will grow weak, heightening a child’s sensitivity, and cavities will pop up which can be painful.
Talk to a pediatric dentist to learn more about this habit and how to address it.
Come into Leduc Dental
At our neighborhood dental office, our staff looks forward to welcoming you and your family and assisting you with your oral health needs, including how to handle sippy cup use. We can help you identify the best kinds of cups for your child to use as well as provide you with strategies to practice when the time comes to make the transition away from them. Send us an email, phone, or stop by our location to arrange an appointment.