You may be aware that certain drinks we consume are better or worse for the teeth than others.
For example, acidic or sweet beverages are more harmful to the teeth in terms of eroding the enamel layer and causing cavities, for instance.
However, did you know that how you consume a beverage can also be better or worse for your oral health as well? It’s true!
Is drinking through a straw better for your teeth?
Because drinking a beverage through a straw means the drink has less contact with the teeth, this is typically better for general oral health than sipping straight from a cup.
Please note that if you recently had wisdom tooth extraction or a similar oral surgery that drinking through a straw is not advised. Otherwise, this can cause a dry socket (dislodged blood clot) since straw-drinking uses pressure. Ask your dentist more regarding this.
But generally, straw-drinking is the safest, and here’s why:
Drinking through a straw causes less enamel deterioration and less tooth sensitivity.
Acidic drinks such as alcoholic beverages and lemonade, for example, are prone to wearing away the enamel layer of the teeth due to their high acidic pH. This then can cause tooth sensitivity and a higher risk for oral-related problems.
When you drink these beverages through a straw though, the beverage has less contact with the teeth. In turn, this reduces the risk of enamel deterioration and tooth sensitivity.
It also helps prevent cavities.
Sugary drinks that are sipped straight from the cup are in direct contact with the teeth, leaving sugary residue on and in between the teeth. As a result, this can increase the risk of cavity formation. Drinking through a straw, though, helps to prevent this from occurring.
Straws allow staining beverages, such as coffee and tea, to keep out of direct contact with the teeth. Thus, this prevents tooth discoloration.
We all know that dark or very strong beverages stain the teeth over the course of time. Coffee and tea are two of those substances, unfortunately.
However, don’t let this cause you to become discouraged. Instead, drink these beverages through a straw to keep your pearly whites as white as possible. Drinking these beverages through a straw can also prevent erosion of the teeth as coffee and tea tend to be acidic.
For those suffering from tooth sensitivity, sweet, cold, or hot beverages will be less harmful to the teeth when consumed with a straw.
Tooth sensitivity due to enamel deterioration is painful to say the least. Drinking a beverage through a straw as rather than sipping from a cup allows less pain for those with sensitive teeth. Again, this is beverage the has very little contact with the teeth.
For these reasons, drinking a beverage through a straw is ideal in many circumstances. The simple use of a straw can prevent enamel deterioration, reduce the chances of tooth sensitivity, and prevent cavities. It can also avoid tooth discoloration and prevent the pain from those with pre-existing sensitive teeth. Whenever possible, opt for a straw rather than sipping if your oral health is important to you.
