Sippy Cups & Healthy Smiles

 If you’re the parent of a toddler, you probably have a lot of sippy cups in your home. They’re great for tiny hands, but they can hurt tiny teeth.

Juice, milk and sweet drinks all have sugar. Sucking on a sippy cup with liquids that have sugar in them can cause tooth decay from the long exposure....

Decay can affect bone structure and may harm the development of a child’s adult teeth. You can help prevent tooth decay in your child by following these tips:

• Don’t let your toddler suck on a sippy cup with juice or other sugary drinks throughout the day. Try to save the sippy cup for meal times.

• Don’t put your child down for a nap or to bed at night with a sippy cup filled with milk – use water instead.

• Feed your child a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Limit sugary and starchy snacks like chips and cookies.

• If your child uses a pacifier, don’t dip it in honey, syrup or sugar.

• Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste if over 2 years of age.

• Clean and massage gums in the areas where there aren’t teeth yet.

Take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental visits that include cleanings, an exam and sealants will get your child off to a great start for a lifetime of healthy smiles.