Drinking straws, a common convenience in beverages, have recently become the subject of health scrutiny. The potential health issues stemming from straw use generally fall into two distinct categories: the physical effects caused by the act of suction and the chemical risks related to the materials from which the straws are manufactured. Understanding these different areas of concern provides a more complete picture of how regular straw use may affect the body over time.
How Straws Affect Digestion and Appearance
The physical act of drawing liquid through a straw can inadvertently lead to the ingestion of excess air, a phenomenon known as aerophagia. This swallowed air travels down the digestive tract, where it accumulates in the stomach and intestines. The resulting buildup of gas can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal distension, burping, and noticeable bloating shortly after consuming a beverage.
For individuals who already experience frequent digestive discomfort or irritable bowel symptoms, the added volume of ingested air from straw use may exacerbate their condition. Eliminating the use of straws is a simple dietary modification often recommended to minimize this air swallowing. The rapid sipping motion, especially with carbonated drinks, can increase the amount of air consumed, contributing to this internal pressure.
The repeated facial movements required to create suction also have consequences for the skin around the mouth. Drawing on a straw requires the repeated contraction and pursing of the orbicularis oris muscle, the circular muscle surrounding the lips. This constant, repetitive folding of the skin leads to the formation or deepening of perioral rhytides, commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines” or lip wrinkles.
Over time, this repeated motion can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin’s structure and elasticity, in the perioral area. While genetics and sun exposure are much greater factors in overall skin aging, the frequent, daily use of a straw adds a mechanical stressor that can prematurely crease the skin. The motion is similar to that produced by smoking, making the habit a lifestyle factor in the development of these characteristic fine lines.
The Direct Impact on Oral Health
Straws are often recommended by dentists as a method to protect teeth from contact with staining or acidic beverages. By positioning the straw past the front teeth and toward the back of the mouth, the liquid bypasses the most visible dental surfaces. This practice can be effective in reducing exposure to dark pigments found in drinks like coffee, tea, or soda, thereby minimizing visible staining on the anterior teeth.
However, the protective effect is highly dependent on the straw’s placement and the user’s technique. If the straw is placed in the wrong position, it can direct a concentrated stream of acidic or sugary liquid onto one specific area of the teeth, often the molars. This localized, repeated exposure to acid can increase the risk of enamel erosion and decay in that precise spot, potentially creating an uneven pattern of wear.
Even with a straw, the liquid still contacts the teeth before being swallowed, especially if the user swishes the drink or holds it in their mouth. To truly minimize the erosive potential of an acidic beverage, the straw should be positioned far back in the mouth, directing the liquid toward the throat to reduce contact time with all dental surfaces. This technique limits the duration the enamel is bathed in the acidic solution, which is a key factor in protecting against acid wear.
Evaluating Material Safety
Concerns about straw materials center on the potential for chemical leaching and the ingestion of microscopic particles. Traditional single-use plastic straws are commonly made from polypropylene (PP). Chemicals used in plastic manufacturing, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) or its analogues, can migrate from the straw material into the drink, especially when exposed to certain conditions.
Chemical leaching is significantly accelerated when the plastic is exposed to heat, such as when drinking a hot beverage, or when it comes into contact with acidic liquids, like fruit juices or soda. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormone systems. Even BPA-free plastics may contain other similar chemicals that also pose a risk of leaching.
Microplastics are another concern, as plastic straws can degrade into tiny fragments less than five millimeters in length. This shedding can occur from damaged single-use straws or from reusable plastic straws that have undergone wear and tear. Ingesting these microscopic particles provides a direct pathway for plastics to enter the body, and while the long-term health effects are still being studied, they are a source of potential exposure.
Alternative materials offer different safety profiles. Stainless steel and glass straws are considered highly inert, meaning they are chemically stable and do not leach chemicals or shed microplastics into beverages. However, metal straws can pose an injury risk if used while walking or driving, and they can transfer heat quickly, potentially burning the lips with hot drinks. Silicone straws are flexible and generally BPA-free, but they can be difficult to clean effectively, potentially harboring bacteria. Paper and bamboo straws, often considered eco-friendly, have been found in some studies to contain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals” are used for water resistance and can accumulate in the body over time.