Ad lib use of a sippy cup is allowed only if it contains what?

Ad lib use of a sippy cup is allowed only if it contains what?

• A. Water
• B. Milk
• C. Juice
• D. Soda

Answer: (A)

Frequent sipping from a cup that never runs dry exposes teeth to ongoing carbohydrate availability, which bacteria in the mouth feed on to produce acid and cause enamel demineralization. Water is the only option in this scenario that is truly non-cariogenic—it has no fermentable sugars and it doesn’t contribute additional acid. It helps keep the mouth hydrated and can aid in rinsing away any residual food particles, reducing the opportunity for acids to form. Juice and soda contain fermentable sugars that bacteria quickly convert to acid, and they can be acidic themselves, promoting enamel erosion. Milk contains lactose, a sugar that can feed bacteria if exposure is frequent, especially in settings with prolonged contact. Because all of these raise caries risk, they aren’t appropriate for ad lib use in a sippy cup. Water remains the best choice to satisfy thirst without increasing caries risk.

Frequent sipping from a cup that never runs dry exposes teeth to ongoing carbohydrate availability, which bacteria in the mouth feed on to produce acid and cause enamel demineralization. Water is the only option in this scenario that is truly non-cariogenic—it has no fermentable sugars and it doesn’t contribute additional acid. It helps keep the mouth hydrated and can aid in rinsing away any residual food particles, reducing the opportunity for acids to form.

Juice and soda contain fermentable sugars that bacteria quickly convert to acid, and they can be acidic themselves, promoting enamel erosion. Milk contains lactose, a sugar that can feed bacteria if exposure is frequent, especially in settings with prolonged contact. Because all of these raise caries risk, they aren’t appropriate for ad lib use in a sippy cup. Water remains the best choice to satisfy thirst without increasing caries risk.