Sippy Cups
Many pediatric dentists believe that frequent, prolonged sippy cup use contributes to toddler tooth decay. Sippy cups are an excellent tool to help ease the transition between baby bottles and regular adult drinking glasses. However, sippy cups have become so effective in preventing spills and leaks, that the majority of parents continue to use them – often well into late toddlerhood. As a consequence, pediatric cavities (often called “baby bottle cavities”) are becoming increasingly prevalent in children between the ages of two and five.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises parents to make a “well-baby” checkup with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the first tooth has emerged. At this visit, the pediatric dentist is able to educate parents about sippy cup use and general oral care routines, as well as provide strategies for eliminating unwanted oral habits.
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.
During the sippy cup period, pediatric dentists provide the following guidelines for parents:
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Don’t fill sippy cups with sugary liquids (opt for water whenever possible).
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Don’t let children sip continuously from a sippy cup (remove the cup when the child has finished drinking).
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Don’t let the child take a sippy cup to bed (unless it contains water).
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Don’t use sippy cups to comfort a distressed child (especially one containing sugary liquids).
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Frequently rinse the sippy cup with water to eliminate germs.
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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.
If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay or the use of sippy cups, please contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sippy Cups in Bonham, TX
At what age should I introduce a sippy cup to my child?
A sippy cup can be introduced as soon as your child is physically able to grasp it, typically around 6 months of age when they begin sitting up and starting solid foods. The goal is to use the sippy cup as a short bridge between the bottle and an open cup, not as a long-term drinking vessel.
When should my child stop using a sippy cup?
Pediatric dentists recommend phasing out the sippy cup by the time your child reaches one year of age, or as soon as they have the motor control to handle an adult-style open cup. Prolonged sippy cup use beyond age 2 is one of the leading contributors to early childhood cavities.
Are sippy cups actually bad for my child's teeth?
The sippy cup itself is not the problem — it’s what goes inside and how long a child sips. When children carry sippy cups around all day, sugars and acids from juice, milk, or formula constantly bathe the teeth, fueling cavity-causing bacteria. Used briefly at mealtimes with water or milk, sippy cups are safe.
What drinks should I avoid putting in a sippy cup?
Avoid filling sippy cups with anything sugary or acidic, including fruit juice (even 100% juice), soda, sports drinks, sweetened or flavored milk, sweet tea, and lemonade. Water is the safest choice between meals. Save milk and small amounts of diluted juice for mealtimes only.
Is it safe to let my child take a sippy cup to bed?
Only if it contains plain water. When a child falls asleep with milk, formula, or juice in their mouth, saliva production drops and sugars pool around the teeth for hours, leading to the classic pattern of decay known as baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries.
How exactly do sippy cups cause cavities?
Sippy cups release only a tiny amount of liquid at a time. When that liquid contains sugar, it coats the teeth repeatedly throughout the day. Oral bacteria feed on those sugars and produce acids that strip minerals from tooth enamel, eventually creating cavities, often hidden between the front teeth where they’re hard to spot.
Can I use a sippy cup to soothe a fussy child?
Try not to. Using a sippy cup as a pacifier, especially one filled with juice or milk, encourages constant sipping, which is one of the most damaging habits for baby teeth. Offer a chilled teething ring, a cuddle, or plain water in a cup instead.
What kind of sippy cup is best for my child's teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends choosing cups that help your child progress toward an open cup. Avoid no-spill valve cups since they function much like a bottle and slow oral development. Choose a hard or soft spout with a snap-on or screw lid that allows free liquid flow, pick cups with two handles to encourage the two-handed grip used with adult cups, and consider a 360-degree rim cup or open training cup as your child approaches 12 months.
Are straw cups better than spout cups?
Yes, in most cases. Straw cups and open training cups encourage a more mature swallowing pattern and reduce the front-tooth bathing effect caused by spouts. Many pediatric dentists prefer straw cups over traditional sippy spouts once a child is developmentally ready.
How do I transition my child from a sippy cup to a regular cup?
Start practicing with a small open cup at mealtimes around 9 to 12 months, even if it’s messy. Use a tiny amount of water and offer it during supervised meals. Gradually reduce sippy cup use to water-only between meals, then phase it out completely by the second birthday.
How will I know if my child has a cavity from sippy cup use?
Early cavities often look like white chalky spots near the gumline, especially on the upper front teeth. As decay progresses, the spots turn brown or black, and your child may complain of pain when eating sweet or cold foods. Many cavities, however, are invisible to the eye, which is why regular pediatric dental exams are essential.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a well-baby dental checkup within six months of the first tooth appearing, and no later than the first birthday. This visit lets us catch early decay, review sippy cup habits, and coach you through brushing and feeding.
How often should my toddler see the dentist?
Every six months, just like adults. Routine cleanings and exams allow us to monitor enamel health, apply fluoride if needed, and spot small problems before they require larger treatment.