In the latest season of Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives, viewers have been captivated by the glamorous lifestyle of Shalini Passi, a new cast member and art and design collector from Delhi. Amidst the luxurious setting, one intriguing moment stands out: Passi sipping champagne through a straw, prompting a comment from Seema Kiran Sajdeh, the former wife of actor Sohail Khan, who remarked, “You’re a very ajeeb aurat,” or “you are a very strange woman.” This scene raises an interesting question: Is drinking through a straw really unusual, or does it offer dental protection?
To shed light on this, we consulted Dr. Aakruti Agrawal, BDS, MDS, from Quality Dental Care in Amravati, Maharashtra. According to Dr. Agrawal, using a straw can indeed reduce the risk of tooth staining.
She explains that consuming acidic beverages—whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic—can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay, sensitivity, and discoloration. “Acids soften the enamel, increasing the risk of damage,” she states.
A 2015 study published in PLOS ONE explored the erosive effects of various non-alcoholic drinks on teeth. The study tested popular beverages such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, apple juice, and lemon juice over a seven-day period at body temperature. The findings indicated that lemon juice was the most erosive, followed by Sprite, apple juice, and orange juice, highlighting the potential risks of these drinks to dental health.
Drinking through a straw can help minimize direct contact between these acidic and staining liquids—like coffee, tea, and red wine—and the front teeth, directing the flow to the back of the mouth instead. However, it is important to note that using a straw does not entirely eliminate the risk of staining, as liquid can still reach the back teeth.
To further protect against staining and other dental concerns, Dr. Agrawal emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for preserving a healthy smile, regardless of whether one chooses to sip from a straw.
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