You probably don’t give much thought to the way you take a sip. But when it comes to your teeth, even a small habit can make a difference. Something as simple as reaching for a straw may be worth a second look.
Beverages That Are Hard on Your Teeth
Tooth enamel is strong, but it naturally wears down over time, leaving your teeth vulnerable. Beverages that are high in acid also slowly weaken the enamel, especially if you drink them pretty consistently.
Some common acidic drinks include:
- Soda
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
- Lemonade
- Fruit juice
- Flavored sparkling water
- Citrus drinks
Sugar creates another challenge for your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar left behind after you drink soda, sweet tea, juice, energy drinks, and other sweetened beverages. Those bacteria then produce acids that again weaken your protective tooth enamel.
Unfortunately, when enamel weakens, teeth become more sensitive, look more yellow, and are more likely to develop cavities and other problems. Unlike other parts of the body, enamel doesn’t grow back once it’s gone, so protecting it is essential.
How Straws Reduce Tooth Damage
When you drink straight from a cup, the liquid washes over the front and sides of your teeth before you swallow. Using a straw directs more liquid toward the back of your mouth, which means less of it comes in contact with your teeth.
Using a straw is a good habit to develop when drinking acidic or sugary beverages. Of course, a straw doesn’t remove sugar or acid from a drink, but it is a small way to reduce how much contact your teeth have with it. To benefit the most, position the straw past your front teeth rather than holding it right against them.
How Long You Sip Matters
How long it takes you to finish a drink also matters. If you sip soda, an energy drink, or another acidic beverage for hours, your teeth are repeatedly exposed to acid. It’s better for your teeth to finish the drink within a reasonable amount of time rather than constantly sipping it throughout the day.
After finishing a beverage that promotes enamel wear, rinse your mouth with plain water. It’s also recommended that you wait 30-60 minutes before brushing so your enamel has time to recover from acid exposure. Brushing right after can further damage your enamel.
A Straw Can Only Do So Much
Using a straw helps, but it’s only one small part of protecting your teeth. Brushing twice a day, flossing, drinking water, limiting sugary and acidic drinks, and keeping up with regular dental visits are still much more important.
You should also pay attention to changes in your teeth, including:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain while eating or drinking
- Tooth discoloration or yellowing
- Rough edges, small chips or cracks in teeth
- Visible evidence of a cavity
Most of these changes develop slowly, not suddenly. However, watch for signs of damage because a weakened tooth can crack or break unexpectedly.
When Tooth Damage Needs Attention
At times, we all have a little tooth sensitivity after an extremely hot or cold drink. If it passes quickly, it’s not an emergency. However, experiencing any of the following symptoms requires a call to your dentist immediately:
- Sudden or severe tooth pain
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Severe swelling around a tooth or gum
- Extreme sensitivity that does not dissipate
- A bad taste or other signs of infection
These symptoms often signal a more serious dental problem that usually worsens if left untreated. Prompt professional dental care with your emergency dentist in Roseville not only relieves pain but prevents complications and, in some cases, saves the natural tooth.
Always Here to Help
Paramount Dental is dedicated to our patients’ oral health. Whether you need routine cleanings and exams to stay on track, a procedure to remove decay, or treatment to support a missing or unhealthy tooth, we have the knowledge and experience to help.
As a full-service dental office with numerous locations, we are also prepared to see patients at any time during a dental emergency. If you develop sudden tooth pain, swelling, suffer a cracked tooth, or have another urgent dental issue, contact Paramount Dental. Our team will work to relieve your discomfort and recommend the right treatment to restore your oral health. Contact us today!
