Listen to Story Art collector and socialite Shalini Passi, known for her appearance on Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, stirred up curiosity when she shared her unique approach to protecting her teeth from damage while enjoying her favourite drinks. Passi, who drinks champagne with a straw, said she does so because her friends use veneers and she wants her keep her natural teeth intact. Dental veneers are custom-made shells that fit over the tooth like an enamel.
One of the reasons why veneers are placed on the teeth is to protect them from enamel erosion that is caused by having too many acidic drinks. But does sipping through a straw really help protect your teeth? According to Dr Bibhakar Ranjan, a dental expert, using a straw with carbonated drinks like soda or champagne can help minimise contact between these acidic beverages and the front teeth, which may slightly reduce enamel erosion. Using a straw with carbonated drinks like soda or champagne can help minimise contact between these acidic beverages and the front teeth.
(Photo: Getty Images) "Carbonated drinks like champagne, wine, and soda contain a high pH and are acidic by nature," Dr Ranjan explained. "Using a straw keeps these drinks from directly touching the front teeth, mainly the incisors, which helps in reducing enamel erosion and, in turn, the risk of cavities." Dr Ranjan also highlights an added benefit: drinking through a straw can minimise tooth discolouration, especially on the front teeth, which are .
