Many people already are aware that brushing and flossing twice daily can prevent common dental concerns, such as gum disease and tooth decay. But your dietary decisions can also make or break your dental health.
For instance, sugary and acidic foods can contribute to enamel erosion that results in cavities. Many people worried about their dental health want to know whether drinking through a straw can help protect their teeth. If you want to avoid potential problems, continue reading to learn more about it!
Which Drinks Can Cause Cavities?
Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that work in tandem with acidic foods you eat to erode your enamel. Unfortunately, sugar only feeds these unhealthy germs and helps them thrive.
As a result, certain popular beverages can be problematic for your dental health. For instance, a 12-ounce can of regular soda is reported to contain roughly 39 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to about 10 teaspoons full. Alcoholic beverages are also harmful, because they’re both sugary and usually also highly acidic, doing double-damage to your teeth. You might think switching to fruit juice is healthier, but many of these options also contain up to 23 grams of sugar.
Can Drinking Through a Straw Protect My Teeth?
Exposing your enamel to sugary liquids can cause cavities to form, leading some folks to question whether they can help safeguard their smile by drinking through a straw. In many cases, this can be a simple and effective way to minimize the risks to your dental health when enjoying your favorite beverage.
However, the concentration of sugar still enters your mouth and can coat the surfaces inside, which can still cause potential concerns. If you’ve assumed that drinking through a straw prevents issues altogether, you might not take additional precautions needed to help safeguard your smile.
How Can I Avoid Developing Oral Issues?
Regardless of the drinks you consume or how you enjoy them, there are several ways you can help build and maintain a happy, healthy smile, including:
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that cause dental problems.
- Minimize sugar consumption. Try to avoid too much sugar and fill up on dairy or citrus fruits, which contain calcium and vitamin C to support enamel and connective tissues, instead.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Seeing your provider every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your condition and catch any problem areas, like thinning enamel, before it worsens.
If you have further questions about recommended ways to improve your dental health, you can learn more by contacting your dentist for an appointment!
Meet the Author
Dr. Matthew Scarpitti enjoys getting to know his patients so he can provide customized treatment plans tailored to meet their unique needs. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton University, and today, he is the current President of the Florida Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of the American Dental Association. He offers a variety of services, including routine exams and cleanings, using state-of-the-art equipment for comfortable, accurate outcomes. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (407) 658-1111.