Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives' Shalini Passi Drinks Champagne With Straw: Does It Really Protect Your Teeth?

If you've tuned into the latest season of Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives, you might find it hard to look away from one of the show's newest members, Shalini Passi—a Delhi-based art and design collector. While her opulent lifestyle has captured viewers’ attention, a few references on the show have especially piqued our interest from a health and wellness perspective.

During one of the dinner scenes, we noticed Passi drinking her champagne with a straw, to which Seema Kiran Sajdeh, ex-wife of actor Sohail Khan, responded, "You're a very ajeeb aurat," meaning 'you are a very strange woman.' However, this scene got us thinking whether drinking beverages with a straw is actually strange or does it really protect teeth? Let’s find out from an expert.

Also Read: Teeth Whitening Strips: Do They Work Or Are They Dangerous 

Does Using Straw Protect Your Teeth?

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Aakruti Agrawal, BDS, MDS, Quality Dental Care, Amravati Maharashtra, said, "Drinking beverages through a straw can help reduce the risk of teeth staining."

In general, drinking acidic beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can erode tooth enamel, weakening teeth and making them more prone to decay, sensitivity, and staining, she explains, adding, "Acids soften the enamel, increasing the risk of damage."

A 2015 study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that various non-alcoholic drinks can lead to tooth erosion. The drinks tested included Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola light, Sprite, apple juice, Red Bull, orange juice, Bonaqua Fruits, tap water, swimming pool water, and lemon juice. The teeth were immersed in these liquids for 7 days at body temperature. The results showed that lemon juice was the most erosive, followed by Sprite, apple juice, and orange juice.

Therefore, drinking beverages with a straw helps direct the liquid away from the front teeth, minimising contact with staining agents like coffee, tea, and red wine.

However, it's important to note that using a straw doesn't completely eliminate the risk of staining, as the liquid can still come into contact with the back teeth. Additionally, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to further protect teeth from staining and other dental issues.

Expert-Recommended Tips To Reduce Teeth Stain

To minimise teeth staining from wine or similar beverages, experts recommend:

• Rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterward to wash away pigments.
• Drinking through a straw and pairing drinks with watersips can help reduce direct contact.
• Brushing teeth after 30 minutes.
• Using a whitening toothpaste
• Scheduling regular dental cleaning

Also Read: Vitamins And Minerals That Strengthen Teeth And Prevent Tooth Decay

Oral Hygiene Tips To Follow

To protect your teeth, some of the additional oral hygiene tips include:

• Rinse your mouth with water to neutralise acids and wash away pigments.
• Avoid immediate brushing, as acids temporarily soften enamel; wait at least 30 minutes.
• Chew sugar-free gum to help increase saliva flow, which naturally cleans and protects teeth.
• Brush twice a day; flossing can help too.
• Avoid sweets and sugary beverages.

Conclusion

Using straws, especially plastic ones, may not be the most environmentally friendly choice, but they can offer some protection against tooth erosion and damage. To balance sustainability with dental health, consider switching to eco-friendly alternatives like metal, silicone, or bamboo straws. In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for a comprehensive approach to dental care, ensuring a healthier smile and a better overall experience.

Image credit: Netflix/ShaliniPassi-Instagram