At this point, you already grasp that certain liquids are bad for your teeth. Such beverages can damage your pearly whites and make them look worse. Luckily, it isn’t too hard to compensate for these things. Such beverages can damage your pearly whites and make them look worse. Luckily, it isn’t too hard to compensate for these things. Drinking through a straw is better for your teeth. By doing so, your smile will stay good-looking and well-protected. If you’d like to learn more, your Fort Worth dentist is happy to explain. So, here’s a summary of how drinking straws help teeth and which beverages should be had with a straw.
How Does a Straw Help Your Teeth?
Obviously, drinking without a straw will bathe your teeth in certain liquids. These liquids, in turn, can greatly harm your pearly whites at times. In fact, the wrong beverage could cause you to have a dental emergency.
Fortunately, a drinking straw limits the amount of liquid that reaches your teeth. That means a lower risk of damage and other nasty oral effects. After all, a straw would do the following:
Prevent Tooth Decay
Ultimately, it isn’t just specific foods that can cause tooth decay. A range of beverages can also trigger the issue.
You see, some popular drinks are sugary and acidic. That means they’ll erode your tooth enamel when exposed to the latter. From there, your risk of cavities, tooth sensitivity, and similar concerns will increase.
All that said, a drinking straw prevents decay by limiting the liquid that reaches your enamel.
Avoid Stained Teeth
If you’re not careful, your drink of choice could easily stain and discolor your teeth. Aside from eroding enamel, many beverages contain coloring additives or are naturally colored. These elements allow them to stain and discolor teeth easily. As such, try to have colorful drinks with a straw. If your teeth are already in a bad way, avoid a worse outcome by drinking colored items from a straw.
Drinks to Have with a Straw
Of course, some beverages are safer for teeth than others. It’s the riskier ones that you should drink with a straw. These include:
• Soda
• Coffee
• Tea
• Sports drinks
• Fruit punch
• Wine & Other Alcoholic Beverages
• Juices
If you lack a straw, you’re better off skipping the drinks above. Instead, feel free to have healthy and fluoridated water.
As you can see, drinking through a straw is better for your teeth. Therefore, make sure to practice the habit as consistently as you can!
About the Author
Dr. David Tillman is a dentist based in Fort Worth, TX, having earned his DDS from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He’s also been listed as a “Best Dentist” in Fort Worth Magazine and a “Super Dentist” in Texas Monthly Magazine. Today, his specialties are preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as dental emergencies. Dr. Tillman currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (817)-870-4746.