Your baby might be getting old enough to start using a sippy cup. Congratulation! Did you know that there are good ways and bad ways to use a sippy cup that will affect your child's teeth?
Here is a list of common do's and don'ts when it comes to sippy cups:
- Do fill the sippy cup with water. Your child's hurt can never be harmed by drinking water. So let them drink water whenever they feel like it.
- Don't let the child sleep with a sippy cup with milk or juice. In contrast, if you put a sippy cup with juice or milk in your child's crib, they can fall asleep with the liquids pooling in their mouth, which can cause cavities later in their baby teeth.
- Do allow milk or juice at meal times. If you want to give your child something other than water, the best time is during meals when they will be consuming other foods. (Note: We recommend never giving a small child more than 4-6 ounces of juice a day.)
- Don't stick with the sippy cup forever. It's best to get your child learning to use a regular unlidded cup, so have them practice with them as soon as possible.
As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy. If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.
About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years. They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.