The sippy cup has helped millions of parents avoid spills and provide drinks for their toddler on-the-go. This type of cup works well as a transition from a bottle for children who are too young to master the art of drinking from a regular cup. Unfortunately, sippy cups are used frequently as a type of pacifier for children who carry them everywhere, sipping on drinks throughout the day. Prolonging this behavior can lead to long-term dental problems.
Tooth Decay
Many parents know not to put their baby to bed with a bottle---a situation that may lead to tooth decay. But young toddlers may carry a sippy cup filled with juice, milk or sugary drinks everywhere they go. Frequently drinking sugary drinks without brushing in between leads to tooth decay because the sugar is not washed away and bacteria can gather on the teeth.
Malocclusion
Because many children use sippy cups during the important time when teeth are erupting, prolonged use may affect the position of teeth. Prolonged use includes situations where toddlers carry a sippy cup everywhere, take one to bed or use the cup after the age of 3. This much use can lead to malocclusion of the teeth, a situation where the top and bottom teeth do not fit together when the mouth is closed. Remember that a sippy cup is meant to be a transitional tool, and teach your child to practice using a bigger cup after the age of 2.
Speech
Sippy cups can affect oral muscles, teeth and the tongue, which can delay or cause issues with speech development in children. Lori Johnston, a speech-language pathologist from New Jersey who is associated with Family Gentle Dental Care, states that children learn sucking patterns with sippy cups, and frequent use develops habits that can delay speech development, such as articulation by touching the tongue to the teeth. Sippy cups can alter the muscles needed for this articulation, causing speech difficulties.
