When it comes to keeping your teeth strong and maintaining good oral health, something as small as drinking through a straw can make a big change. Drinking water is always the best option, but sometimes the summer sun and social outings call for another kind of refreshing beverage. You can still enjoy your favorite drinks and be conscious about your dental health by using a straw.
Why Are Straws Good for My Teeth?
Any drink with an acidic pH can dissolve tooth enamel and cause oral health problems over time. These beverages can range from sugary drinks such as juice or soda to alcohol like a fancy cocktail or other spirits.
When you drink straight from the glass, the drink comes in contact with your entire mouth, leading to an increased risk of acid and sugar damage, tooth sensitivity, and tooth decay. Drinking through a straw minimizes the contact the beverage has with your teeth. Another benefit to this reduced contact is reducing discoloration and staining that might come from drinking coffee or tea.
What Should I Be Drinking?
While water is the best go-to hydration option, if you’re a big fan of any of the following drinks (in no particular order), you might want to consider using a straw to protect your oral health:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Juice
- Soda
- Sports Drinks
- Wine and Other Alcohol
If you just can’t part with any of your favorite beverages, another option to consider is rinsing your mouth with water after drinking to preserve your smile. However, if you’re out being social and don’t have time to stop festivities for a rinse, a straw can be your best friend.
Drinking your favorite beverages from a straw is a simple change you can make to reduce the risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, cavities, and staining.
About the Practice
Dr. Jane C. Puskas has been serving the Atlanta community since 1994 and is committed to patient oral health and happiness. She offers comprehensive dental care, including everything from preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to oral surgery and periodontics. If you want more tips on how small