Is Drinking Through a Straw Better for Your Teeth?

Whether you need an iced coffee each morning to get your day started or enjoy a glass of red wine at night to unwind after a long day, there are a variety of beverages that we drink in our everyday lives. Though these drinks may be tasty, they can do some damage to your smile. But what if you use a straw? Keep reading to learn if using a straw is better for your smile.

Why Straws are Better for Your Teeth

One reason why drinking beverages through a straw is better for your smile is that it prevents cavities. This is because the sugar in drinks won’t have as much contact with your smile if you’re using a straw. Additionally, coffee, wine, tea, and other dark or highly pigmented beverages won’t be as effective at leaving stains on your smile if they have less contact with your pearly whites.

4 Other Ways to Take Care of Your Smile

As previously mentioned, drinking through a straw lessens your risk of dental staining as well as cavities. There are other ways that you can keep your smile in good condition, such as:

• Drink water – This will neutralize acids in the mouth, which increase when you eat or drink. It will also help prevent dry mouth and wash away bacteria and food particles.
• Brush your teeth – Wait until 30 minutes after eating or drinking to brush and floss since your tooth enamel will be temporarily weakened. This will get rid of food particles and plaque.
• Increase saliva production – Drinking water isn’t the only way to increase saliva production. You can also suck on sugarless hard candy, chew on sugar-free gum, or eat fresh, crisp fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, pears, and celery.
• Visit your dentist – Be sure to see your dentist twice each year for dental checkups and cleanings. During these visits, they will examine your smile to ensure that you don’t have cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues developing.

About the Practice

Daniel Island Dentist gives patients in South Carolina the tools and treatments they need to maintain healthy beams. This includes dental checkups and cleanings to catch oral health issues early on and allow you to leave your appointment with a fresh, plaque-free smile. If you are interested in setting up an appointment with Daniel Island Dentistry or want more information on their services, call their office at (843) 881-4545 or visit their website.