What’s your favorite beverage? Drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and juice go well with your favorite meal or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. But what is the best way to drink your favorite beverages? When it comes to drinking beverages through a straw, is doing so better for your teeth than drinking them without one? Keep reading to learn if using a straw is good for your smile.
Why Straws are Better for Your Teeth
One of the reasons why drinking through a straw is better for your teeth is because it prevents issues like cavities and toothaches. Sugar in the foods and beverages that you consume feeds harmful oral bacteria that then release acids. These acids attack and weaken your tooth enamel, which makes your pearly whites more susceptible to decay. Drinking through a straw means the sugar in beverages doesn’t have as much contact with your teeth.
Additionally, using a straw can help prevent discoloration. When you drink tea, coffee, dark sodas, grape juice, or other beverages, you can be left with unsightly stains on your pearly whites. Since using a straw will prevent drinks from making as much contact with your teeth, they’ll be less likely to leave stains.
5 Other Ways to Take Care of Your Smile
Using a straw can help you prevent cavities and dental staining, but how else can you take care of your smile? Some other ways that you can prevent dental health issues include:
- Drink water – Since sweet and darkly colored beverages can harm your smile, it’s best to drink water whenever possible. Not only will it not damage your beam, but it can also neutralize acids as well as wash away plaque and bacteria.
- Brush your teeth – Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice per day. If you brush after eating a meal or having a beverage other than water, be sure to wait at least 30 minutes. This is because the amount of acid in the mouth goes up when you eat or drink, which will temporarily weaken your enamel.
- Floss – Floss between your teeth at least twice per day.This will lower your chances of developing cavities.
- Increase saliva production – Drinking water can increase saliva production, but so can eating fresh, crisp fruits and veggies, chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking on hard candy.
- Visit your dentist – Biannual dental visits are one of the most important parts of preventing oral health issues. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and the oral cavity will be examined.
About the Practice
Central Dental Associates has been providing patients living in Norwood and the surrounding communities with the quality care they need for over 50 years. Their practice is led by six talented dentists who specialize in all things related to dental health. This includes checkups and cleanings to help you keep oral health problems from developing for a healthy, bright, and beautiful smile. If you want more information on the services they offer or are ready to set up an appointment, call Central Dental Associates at (781) 769-3566 or visit their website.