The simple act of using a straw can significantly improve your oral health. While it might seem potentially wrinkle-inducing or juvenile, using a straw will help keep your teeth whiter in several ways.
Reduces Staining
Using a straw when enjoying colored drinks can help prevent teeth from getting stained. Drinks like coffee and soda are known to cause stains on teeth due to their pigmented content. By sipping through a straw, these beverages have less contact with the teeth, reducing the chances of staining. This simple practice can maintain the whiteness of your teeth, keeping your smile bright. Remember to opt for a biodegradable straw to protect both your health and the environment. Remember, the more you use straws, the less likely you are to have stained teeth.
Increases Water Consumption
Insufficient water intake could lead to tooth staining caused by plaque buildup on tooth surfaces. Using a straw may encourage you to drink water, benefiting your hygiene by rinsing away food particles and sugars while promoting saliva production as a natural defense mechanism. Removing plaque and leftover food particles will contribute significantly to keeping your teeth looking brighter. It also stimulates the production of saliva, which is the natural defense mechanism of the dental system. Eliminating plaque and other food particles will go a long way in keeping your teeth whiter.
Reduces Cavities
Just like using a straw reduces the chances of staining, it also reduces the chance of getting cavities. Note that dental cavities can significantly affect the appearance of your teeth, damaging their naturally white color. Allowing drinks like soda to soak in your mouth for a long time can have significant consequences. However, when you use a straw positioned toward the back of your mouth, you will reduce the damage caused by acidic beverages. Such beverages can affect your tooth enamel. This is why our professionals recommend that if you cannot avoid using such drinks, you should always use a straw.
Visit our offices for more information on how straws help keep your teeth whiter. We will thoroughly assess your problem and provide the necessary treatment.
Our Dental Blog | Smiles of Tulsa - Dentist in Tulsa, OK Corbyn VanBrunt, DDS has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click here to learn more about home care, procedures and more! Smiles of Tulsa, 6565 S. Yale Ave., Ste. 1103, Tulsa, OK 74136 • (918) 891-3059 • smilesoftulsa.com • 2/9/2025 • Tags: Preventive Dentistry Tulsa OK •