When to Say Goodbye to the Sippy Cup

Are Sippy Cups Bad for Your Child's Teeth?

Sippy cups aren't the problem, it's what's inside them and how often they're used.

When children sip on milk, juice, or other sweetened drinks throughout the day, their teeth are repeatedly exposed to sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Frequent sipping means the mouth has less time to recover between acid attacks, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Why It Matters

Even healthy drinks like milk and 100% fruit juice contain natural sugars. While these drinks can be part of a healthy diet, sipping them throughout the day or at bedtime can increase the risk of cavities. Water is the best drink between meals.

Smile-Smart Tips

o   Offer water between meals and snacks.

o   Serve milk and juice with meals, not throughout the day.

o   Avoid putting your child to bed with a sippy cup containing anything other than water.

o   Transition from a sippy cup to an open cup when your child is developmentally ready (usually around 12–18 months).

o   Choose whole fruit instead of juice whenever possible.

 

Parent-Friendly FAQ

Should I stop using a sippy cup?

Not necessarily. The sippy cup itself isn't harmful—it's prolonged sipping on sugary drinks that increases the risk of cavities.

Can my child drink milk in a sippy cup?

Yes, but it's best to offer milk during meals rather than allowing your child to sip on it throughout the day.

Is juice okay?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting juice and serving it only with meals. Water is the healthiest choice between meals.