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 Middletown, NY
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 Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.
Parents play a crucial role in their children's tooth care by ensuring their children get started on the right path to optimal dental health. This involves overseeing children's tooth care at home while also helping them develop healthy dental habits and ensuring they see a pediatric dentist regularly.Parents will need to keep their child's mouth…
Just like adults, children need preventive dental care — that is where pediatric dentistry comes in. Many parents believe that their child's teeth are healthy simply because their child is young. The truth is that oral health issues are as prevalent in kids as much as adults. Since they love sugary treats, the risk of…
Children have a great deal of growing and changing to do before they come into their adult smile, which often means parents fail to consider cosmetic dentistry for children as an option. However, cosmetic dental services can make a big difference for kids at this vulnerable age, when they may be prone to bullying and…
Brushing and flossing are essential oral hygiene basics that help prevent tooth decay and gum…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day…
The oral hygiene basics kids need to practice to keep their teeth looking clean and…
Seeing an emergency pediatric dentist is important for the child’s immediate relief and general well-being.
Dental X-rays are useful in locating cavities in specific areas of the teeth.
Oral hygiene basics are crucial for promoting strong oral health in your child. While responsibly…
