Oral Health Benefits of Using a Straw

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we want to help you maintain the best oral health possible!

It’s true that over the past few years, plastic straws have been villainized in the fight against non-reusable plastics. They make up approximately 7% of plastic waste in the U.S., and they’re a popular topic for state legislatures. However, straws now come in various materials – silicone, metal, reusable hard plastic, glass, sugarcane, bamboo, hay, and paper.

Whatever type of straw you use, did you know that using a straw is beneficial for your oral health? Here are some of the oral health benefits of using a straw regularly when drinking your beverage of choice.

Benefits of Drinking Through a Straw

There are many benefits to using a straw. Some of these benefits include:

• Prevents teeth staining – There is decreased contact between the drink and your front teeth when you drink out of a straw. Dark beverages like wine, tea, coffee, and soda can discolor the teeth. It fully coats your teeth when you drink from a cup or glass, staining them. So by drinking out of a straw, you help reduce the risk of yellowing teeth.
• Protects your teeth from acid – Alcohol, soda, fruit juice, and lemon water all have a high pH. These beverages can dissolve tooth enamel over time, which leads to tooth sensitivity and other dental issues. But by drinking these beverages out of a straw, you reduce the contact with your teeth.
• Protects teeth from sugar – Again, it’s about contact. When you drink sweet beverages out of a glass, sugar coats your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, causing plaque build-up. This puts you at a higher risk of developing cavities. Drinking through a straw minimizes your exposure to sugar, thus protecting your teeth.
• Encourages hydration – Many people have a hard time drinking water. However, they often find it easier when they drink through a straw. Staying hydrated is very important to both your oral and overall health.

St. Louis Dental Anesthesia Center

While there are benefits to drinking out of a straw, it can’t replace other good dental health practices. It’s still important to rinse your mouth after consuming sugary or acidic drinks. It’s a good idea to cut back on these too. Don’t forget to brush and floss every day. And be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup!