Most people work hard for their health by watching what they eat and getting enough exercise. Yet, health doesn’t stop at these things, as oral health plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Oral health is just as important since advanced gum diseases can cause pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and strokes.
Many people are looking for ways to maintain their teeth and oral health, but unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions exist. One method that has popped up in recent years is using a straw to protect one’s teeth. In our article, the team at Dr. Marshall S Skopp DMD will discuss if straws protect your teeth.
Does Drinking Through A Straw Protect Your Teeth?
In 2019 a study was published in the Journal of Dentistry. This study investigated if using straws for drinking acidic drinks effectively protected study participants from tooth wear and erosion. According to the study findings, those who frequently consumed dietary acids with the use of a straw showed that there was no protective effect.
In addition, it was proven that there is a potentially significant risk for localized erosive wear if a straw is directed at the teeth in a person’s mouth. In recent years many dentists have started agreeing that drinking through a straw doesn’t protect your teeth.
A straw would protect your teeth only if your teeth and tongue weren’t exposed to it. After all, your tongue is in constant contact with your teeth, and if you’ve tasted a drink (even through a straw), your tongue will touch your teeth.
Thus, using a straw doesn’t protect against tooth erosion or staining from drinks like coffee, tea, and sodas. It also causes gas and can cause wrinkles around the mouth because of the puckering you do when drinking through a straw.
What Is The Best Way To Ensure You’re Protecting Your Teeth?
As you now know, drinking through a straw doesn’t actually protect your teeth from erosion and staining. So you’re likely wondering about the best way to ensure you’re protecting your teeth. First and foremost, you should routinely visit a professional dentist like Dr. Marshall S Skopp DMD.
Secondly, you shouldn’t focus on how you drink liquids but on the beverages, you’re drinking. For example, drink more water instead of flavored sports drinks, sodas, coffee, tea, and fruit juices that stain and erode.
Yet, if you drink these things, drinking plenty of water afterward will help wash away the acidity before it finds a place on your teeth’s enamel.
Lastly, you should ensure you routinely brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste as it can help fight cavities and loss of tooth enamel because of acid erosion.
Visit Dr. Marshall S Skopp DMD Near Staten Island Today
As you can see, you must take care of your teeth and not by using straws. Certain straws might be better for the environment, but since most aren’t, it’s unsurprising that they aren’t good at protecting your teeth. If you want to learn how to protect your teeth, you should visit dentist Dr. Marshall S Kopp DMD today.
Our reputable dental practice offers a range of restorative, cosmetic, and general oral health services, so we have you covered. Simply contact us here to arrange a booking or visit us in person at 2040 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303.