Pacifiers and sippy cups can be lifesavers for parents, but they can also have a big impact on your child’s oral health. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can help protect those tiny teeth and support healthy jaw development, too.
At ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, including our Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry location in Derby, we love helping families build strong routines early so kids can grow up with happy, healthy smiles.
Why oral habits matter so much in the early years
Baby teeth may be temporary, but they do important work:
- They help kids chew properly and get good nutrition
- They support speech development
- They hold space for adult teeth
- They shape confidence and healthy habits for life
That’s why routines around pacifiers, cups, and brushing matter more than many parents realize.
Pacifiers and little smiles: what parents should know
Pacifiers are very common and completely normal in infancy and toddlerhood. They can soothe babies, help with sleep, and offer comfort during stressful moments.
Pacifier tips for healthier teeth
Here’s how to make pacifier use more smile-friendly:
Choose one-piece, orthodontic-shaped pacifiers
Orthodontic styles are designed to reduce pressure on developing gums and jaws.
Keep it clean
Wash pacifiers often and replace them if they crack, get sticky, or start falling apart.
Never dip in honey, sugar, or anything sweet
Even “just once” can expose teeth to cavity-causing sugar and bacteria.
Try to wean by age 2 (and definitely by age 3)
Long-term sucking habits can affect bite development and may contribute to an open bite or changes in the roof of the mouth.
Parent tip: Instead of quitting suddenly, try using the pacifier only for naps and bedtime first, then gradually phase it out.
Thumb sucking: is it worse than a pacifier?
Thumb and finger sucking can have similar effects on the bite over time. The biggest difference is that you can take away a pacifier, but you can’t take away a thumb.
If your child is still thumb sucking beyond age 3 or you notice speech or bite concerns, your pediatric dentist can help with gentle strategies that work with your child’s personality and comfort level.
Sippy cups and bottles: the sneaky cavity risk
Sippy cups feel like a healthy “big kid” step, but they can sometimes keep sugary liquids in constant contact with teeth, especially when kids sip all day.
The biggest problem: frequent sipping
Tooth decay isn’t just about sugar, it’s about how long teeth are exposed. When little ones sip on milk, juice, or sweet drinks throughout the day, teeth are repeatedly bathed in sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria.
What to put in a sippy cup
Best choice: Water
Milk: Fine with meals
Juice: Limit and offer only with meals
Avoid: Soda, sports drinks, sweet tea, or flavored milk throughout the day
Avoid bedtime bottles (or bedtime sippy cups)
A bottle or sippy cup in bed, especially with milk or juice, is one of the most common causes of early childhood tooth decay.
If your child needs comfort at night, offer:
- A bedtime routine (story, cuddles, music)
- A pacifier (if age-appropriate)
- Only water in a cup
When should kids stop using sippy cups?
Sippy cups are meant to be a short transition tool. Many pediatric dentists encourage moving toward an open cup and straw cup as skills develop.
A good goal is to begin transitioning around 12 months and aim to be mostly done with sippy cups by 18 to 24 months, especially if your child uses them constantly.
Brushing basics for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
No matter what soothing tool your child prefers, brushing is the foundation of a healthy mouth.
When to start brushing
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears.
How much toothpaste should kids use?
- Under age 3: a smear the size of a grain of rice
- Age 3 and up: a pea-sized amount
Brush twice a day (especially before bed)
Nighttime brushing is the most important because saliva flow slows down while we sleep, making it easier for cavities to form.
Parent tip: If your child resists brushing, try letting them “brush first,” then you “finish the job.”
Snacks and drinks that support healthy teeth
You don’t have to be perfect, just be consistent.
Tooth-friendly snack ideas
- Cheese sticks or cubes
- Yogurt (choose lower sugar when possible)
- Apples, pears, strawberries
- Crunchy veggies like cucumbers and carrots (age-appropriate)
- Peanut butter (thin layer) or nut-free alternatives
Snacks to limit
- Sticky gummies, fruit snacks, and fruit leather
- Crackers and chips that cling to teeth
- Frequent grazing all day long
If your child does have a sweet snack, pairing it with a meal and offering water afterward is a smart move.
When should your child first visit a pediatric dentist?
Children should visit a pediatric dentist by age 1, or within six months of the first tooth coming in.
Early visits help:
- Catch early signs of cavities
- Monitor growth and development
- Guide habits like pacifier use and cup transitions
- Make dental visits feel normal and fun
At ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry, we focus on creating positive, kid-friendly experiences that help children feel safe and confident.
Quick checklist: pacifiers, sippy cups, and smiles
Here’s the easy version to keep in mind:
- Keep pacifiers clean and never dip them in anything sweet
- Aim to reduce pacifier or thumb habits by age 2 and stop by age 3
- Offer water between meals, milk with meals, and limit juice
- Avoid bedtime bottles or sippy cups with milk or juice
- Brush twice daily with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste
- Schedule dental visits early, ideally by age 1
Need help building healthy habits? We’re here for you.
Whether you’re wondering about pacifier weaning, sippy cup transitions, or how to prevent cavities, our team is ready to help.
ICTeeth Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves families in Wichita, Kansas and Derby, Kansas, including our Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry location.