Pediatric training cups can benefit, delay toddlers' development Published Feb. 18, 2009 By Senior Airman Kristina Narabal 66th Medical Operations Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- As infants become toddlers, their mouths undergo dynamic changes. Teeth develop and erupt and children gain more control of their muscles, leading to early language skills and a transition from the baby bottle to the training cup, also known as a sippy or tippy cup. When used incorrectly, training cups can contribute to tooth decay and crowding of the teeth. Parents should be aware of the types of training cups available, which beverages should be placed in them and the amount of time the cups should be used. When parents choose training cups for toddlers, they should be aware of the functions and available features. Many training cups claim to be spill-proof but these can be baby bottles in disguise. Spill-proof cups have stoppers to prevent leaks, making sucking on the spout necessary to get the liquid to flow. Pediatric speech pathologists have found that children who experience an extended sucking pattern in this way experience delayed speech development and mature swallowing patterns, which affect children's abilities to communicate and may increase the risk of choking. The American Dental Association recommends choosing a training cup with a snap-on lid without a stopper valve. Once the appropriate training cup has been selected, it is important to use it properly. Except at mealtime, training cups should contain only water. Parents should avoid offering children juices, soft drinks and other liquids with high sugar content. These sugars are metabolized by the bacteria in the mouth and produce acid as a by-product. This acid will erode the enamel of the teeth, causing cavities. Training cups should be used for a period of less than an hour at a time and should not be used to quiet an irritable child or to put them down at bedtime or for a nap. The prolonged contact of the cup in the mouth can lead to a 'tongue thrust' habit resulting in potential flaring of the teeth and problems in the development of the roof of the mouth. A child should advance to a training cup by their first birthday. After that, the sippy cup should be a transition device; once the child has learned to sip, the child should progress to a regular cup. According to the ADA, this transition period should take approximately three months. Training cups, when combined with a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, fluoride and regular dental check-ups, play an important role in helping children develop a healthy mouth. For more information call the Dental Clinic at (781) 377-2680.