For any modern parent, the sippy cup is a god-send. It's the spill-proof container for toddlers and young children that's often used as a stepping stone between bottles and adult, lidless containers. However, dental professionals warn that prolonged use of sippy cups can cause tooth decay.
"Because many children drink from a sippy cup filled with sugary liquids throughout the day, dental decay begins to form," said Dr. Steve Glenn, president of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA), "and though parents may know not to put a child to bed with a bottle of milk, juice, or soda, they often don't realize that prolonged use of a sippy cup filled with sweetened liquids can create the same harmful results."
Decay in baby teeth is at epidemic proportions in some populations. Research shows an estimated 51 million school hours per year are lost because of dental-related illnesses. A baby's teeth can decay soon after they appear in the mouth. By the time decay is noticed, it may be too late to save the teeth. Furthermore, it's often assumed that baby teeth don't require the same attention that adult teeth do, but caring for a child's first set of teeth is imperative. Here are some reasons why:
- Children with healthy mouths chew more easily and gain more nutrients from the foods they eat.
- Children with healthy mouths learn to speak more quickly and clearly.
- Children with good oral health have a better chance of general health, because disease in the mouth can endanger the rest of the body.
- Advanced tooth decay can be extremely painful for children.
- Baby teeth keep a space in the jaw for the adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the teeth beside it may drift into the empty space. When it's time for the adult teeth to come in, there may not be enough room which can create crooked or crowded permanent teeth.
- A healthy mouth is attractive and can help children form a positive self-image. A bright smile can help win the confidence of peers and teachers.
- Healthy teeth save time and money. Preventive dentistry means less extensive and less expensive treatment for your child.
Preventing a child from prolonged use of a sippy cup filled with sugary liquid is just one of many ways to combat tooth decay. Parents and caregivers can help prevent tooth decay at all stages of a young child's oral development by adhering to the following recommendations:
- After each feeding, a baby's gums should be wiped with a clean gauze pad.
- Begin brushing a child's teeth when the first tooth erupts.
- Clean and massage gums in areas that remain toothless, and begin flossing when all the baby teeth have erupted, usually by age 2 or 2 1/2.
- Never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or sweetened liquids.
- For a comforter between regular feedings, at night, or during naps, give children a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or physician. Never give a child a pacifier dipped in any sweet liquid.
- Avoid filling bottles and sippy cups with liquids such as sugar water and soft drinks.
- If the local water supply does not contain fluoride (a substance that helps prevent tooth decay), ask your dentist how your child should get it.
- Start dental visits by the child's first birthday. Make visits regularly. For specific dental problems, take the child to the dentist as soon as possible.
Source: Oklahoma Dental Association