The Last Straw

Help save your smile by sipping carbonated beverages through a straw.

Carbonated beverages tend to be acidic, which can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Switching to water is one way to prevent the damage. However, if you do indulge in a fizzy soda, sipping it through a straw with the end placed near the back of your mouth can decrease contact time between your teeth and the acids.

Just using a straw may not be enough to protect your teeth against caustic sodas, which eat away at tooth enamel. To be effective, you'll need to place the straw near the back of your mouth to minimize the amount of time your teeth are in contact with fizzy drinks. Placing the straw just past your lips may increase tooth exposure to the soda. Rinsing your mouth with water after you finish a carbonated drink may help evacuate leftover acids. Stay on top of regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning to keep your mouth healthy.

Influence of drinking patterns of carbonated beverages on dental erosion. Bassiouny, M. A., Yang, J., General Dentistry 2005 May-Jun;53(3):205-210.