One of the best habits to develop for your child’s health over a lifetime is to love drinking water. But I hear you – kids sometimes want to drink something sweet. Is that ever okay? Let’s talk about it, mom (dentist) to mom.
Cavities form in hidden areas between children’s teeth and unless the dentist identifies them on x-rays, oftentimes parents don't realize they're there until they're large. Between-teeth cavities don't become visible until they are large and begin to break through the enamel’s top surface, causing a hole. These between-teeth cavities arise with frequent exposure (sipping all day long) to drinks that throw off the mouth’s natural pH balance, leaving it acidic (an environment that cavity-causing bacteria love). I talk more about that pH balance shift here. Common acidic drinks are flavored seltzer water, water flavorants (Mio, Crystal Light, Liquid IV), soda, juice (organic or 100% or otherwise), and even some kinds of milk (as well as coffee for grownups *sob*).
Critical pH – The Trouble With Acidity
The acidity of certain drinks is so low (below pH of 5.5, also known as the “critical pH”) that it demineralizes (leaches out the mineral content of) the enamel, leaving your child’s teeth more susceptible to cavities. It is possible to mitigate that risk, though. While I recommend fluoridated water as my number one drink of choice, it is possible to safely incorporate sugary or acidic drinks occasionally.
The good news is there are neutral, sugar-free flavor additive options you can use as alternatives. When you do serve acidic drinks, provide them only at mealtimes. Doing this allows the act of eating to move the sugary and acidic liquid to the stomach, minimizing contact time with the teeth. Chewing also stimulates salivary flow, which counterbalances the decrease in pH from the acidic drink. The way to avoid raising cavity risk with these acidic or sugary drinks is to not let the child have access to them all day.
Are Sippy Cups Bad?
A sippy cup isn't necessarily the problem (although I do recommend avoiding any type of hard spout or firm straw due to trauma risk), it's more that parents tend to put sugary drinks in spill-proof cups for day-long access. If you put water in it, I'm happy! Reducing the frequency of exposure to sugars and acids is the key to reducing cavity risk.
So please hear me, as with snacks like gummies and crackers, I’m not labeling any food as “bad” or “unhealthy” or saying “avoid flavored water completely and live a life devoid of joy”, I’m saying – mitigate risk and give drinks like these at times that decrease the possibility of the acid and sugar negatively impacting their teeth, which is with a meal. Do go make a big deal about water and buy a special fun water bottle that your child returns to all day to drink and keep those teeth strong and shiny! We want water to be their go-to drink throughout the day so that they learn, “When I'm thirsty, I love drinking water!
