Smart Sipping: Why It’s Better to Use a Straw

It is no secret that consuming dark-colored beverages, such as coffee, soda, tea, red wine, etc., can cause tooth stains and discoloration over time. However, these are not the only potential problems your smile faces. Dental decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and more can occur if your teeth remain exposed to these liquids too long. If you want a better solution, learn why your dentist recommends drinking with a straw.

What Are the Worst Drinks for Your Teeth?

You may want a cup of hot coffee in the morning, but too much of it can damage your teeth. Coffee isn’t the only harmful beverage. You should also be mindful of the following items, only consuming them occasionally and always with a straw:

• Soda
• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Juice
• Sports drinks

Why is Drinking Through a Straw Better?

Drinking through a straw can be a touchy topic for some, especially regarding environmental concerns. However, if you want to reduce the risk of tooth damage, using a straw is the best way to do so. These are just a few of the reasons you should consider:

• You Can Avoid Tooth Stains: Many dark-colored drinks can stain your teeth over time, making it hard to remove anything that spreads below the surface. While you can ask about cosmetic dentistry to remove discoloration, you can also use a straw to keep your teeth from being exposed too long to the liquid you’re consuming.
• You Can Avoid Enamel Erosion: Many fruit juices and sports drinks are highly acidic. Once the liquid contacts the enamel, acids can begin to break down the enamel’s surface, causing tooth sensitivity. Using a straw lets the liquid bypass your teeth, reducing exposure and helping you keep more of your natural enamel.
• You Can Avoid Cavities: Soda, red wine, juice, and coffee (depending on how you make it) can contain a significant amount of sugar. Once it attaches to your teeth, it can begin to form plaque and break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities. A straw can minimize contact between your teeth and your drink.

Drinking with a straw is helpful when you are craving coffee, soda, or a glass of wine, but if a small cavity forms or sensitivity develops, your dentist can help. With restorative dentistry, they can provide fillings, crowns, and other treatments to repair damaged areas of your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar is a trusted dentist who enjoys serving patients throughout the community. With a dental degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, he has worked in a variety of dental settings, treating a range of oral health problems. His ability to provide informative, educational, and encouraging care to his patients makes him a reliable and respected professional in the area. If you want to learn how to take better care of your oral health, call (940) 566-5332 to schedule an appointment today.