How Drinking With a Straw Can Extend Laser Teeth Whitening Results

Laser teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure. Many people spend significant time and money whitening their teeth. That is why many people exert effort in protecting their new smiles. After the laser teeth whitening treatment, dentists recommend drinking with a straw. If you want to find out how using a straw can extend your laser teeth whitening results, here are the details.

Prevents staining

Laser teeth whitening is quick and effective. The results last a long time with proper care and maintenance. Drinking from a straw prevents staining. It prevents colored beverages from swishing around in the mouth and coating the teeth. A straw allows the liquid to pass through the teeth and reaches the back of the mouth.

It may look awkward, especially while drinking coffee, tea, or wine. Yet, doing so will keep teeth white. Drinking from a straw is much like applying sun protection on the skin. Laser teeth whitening is an investment. Using a straw is a way to protect that investment.

Reduces cavity formation

Using a straw also reduces the chance of developing cavities. Drinking from a glass lets the sweet beverages pool in the mouth. This can harm the whitened teeth. Using a straw lets the beverages flow straight to the back of the mouth. It prevents the liquid from touching the teeth.

A straw also prevents acidic beverages from touching teeth. Laser teeth whitening makes teeth a little sensitive. Drinking acidic drinks without a straw can worsen the sensitivity. Keeping acidic beverages away from the treated teeth will add comfort to the patient after laser teeth whitening. It can also protect the enamel from corroding.

Increases consumption of water

People tend to drink more water when using a drinking straw. This improves the person’s oral hygiene. Water is odorless, colorless, and sugar-free. It can wash away sugar and food particles in the mouth.

Water stimulates saliva production. It means that the mouth’s defense system increases. If there is more saliva, the patient has more buffer that will neutralize bacterial acids in the mouth. A mouth without cavities is a healthy mouth. More water consumption leads to a healthier body.

Understanding what stains teeth

Staining is the number one enemy of teeth straight from laser teeth whitening. The patient should know the foods and beverages that can stain or corrode the teeth. Doing so can help the patient avoid the ones that can stain the teeth. Berries, soda, wine, tea, coffee, dark chocolate, and sports drinks can all stain teeth. The patient should know when to use a drinking straw. Drinking water after every sweet, acidic, or staining beverage is a good practice as well.