Q: How could a sippy cup be a dental health problem?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compared the dental health of Americans from two periods: 1988-1994 and 1999-2002. The result: a 15.2 percent increase in cavities among 2- to 5-year-olds. More research shows that nearly one-third of toddlers with tooth decay used "sippy cups," those little plastic drinking cups with a lid to prevent spills. Thus, a few tips from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry:
- The sippy cup should not be used for long periods of time.
- Unless being used at mealtime, it should be filled only with water.
- Sippy cups should not be used at nap time or bedtime unless they have only water in them.
- Schedule regular visits with a pediatric dentist to help keep your child cavity-free.
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