The drinking straw is a common fixture used for convenience or to avoid surface stains. While straws offer a practical way to consume liquids, especially for those with medical conditions, the mechanics of sipping through a narrow tube can introduce unintended consequences. Concerns range from digestive discomfort to cosmetic issues and the safety of the material itself. This article explores the science behind these claims, examining how using a straw can affect different body systems.
How Straws Affect Digestion
Using a straw creates a vacuum that causes a person to ingest excess air with every sip, a phenomenon known as aerophagia, or “air swallowing.” This swallowed air travels into the gastrointestinal tract, accumulating in the stomach and intestines. The buildup of this gas is the direct cause of uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal distension, burping, and bloating. Individuals with sensitive digestive systems, such as those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), may find these symptoms more pronounced. The effect is compounded when drinking carbonated beverages, which already contain dissolved gas that further contributes to the buildup in the gut. Avoiding the straw minimizes this mechanical intake of air and reduces digestive discomfort.
Dental Health Risks
Many believe using a straw protects teeth from the harmful effects of acidic or sugary drinks, but this depends heavily on technique. Drinking directly from a cup allows saliva to quickly dilute the liquid as it washes over the teeth.
Conversely, a straw channels the beverage into a concentrated stream, directing it to localized areas of the mouth. If the straw is consistently placed near the front teeth, the acidic or sugary liquid repeatedly bathes a small group of teeth. This action can lead to localized acid erosion, wearing away the enamel in a concentrated spot.
Over time, this targeted exposure increases the risk of decay or heightened sensitivity in those specific teeth. The only way a straw offers protection is if the tip is positioned far back in the mouth, allowing the liquid to bypass the teeth and go directly to the throat. Even then, the liquid touches the tongue, which can spread sugars and acids to the back teeth.
The Link to Perioral Wrinkles
The cosmetic concern associated with straw use stems from the repetitive muscle action required for sipping. To draw liquid up the straw, the muscles around the mouth must contract, engaging the orbicularis oris muscle. Repetitive flexing of this muscle creates folds in the skin perpendicular to the lips. Over years, as the skin loses collagen and elastin, these temporary creases can become permanently etched into the skin’s surface. This mechanical stress is similar to the action involved in smoking, which is why the resulting lines are often referred to as perioral wrinkles. Minimizing this pursing motion can help reduce the premature formation of lines in this area.
Understanding Straw Material Safety
The material composition of the straw itself raises separate health considerations, particularly with plastic varieties. Most single-use plastic straws are made from polypropylene, which is generally considered food-safe but contains chemical additives. Under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat or acidic liquids, these chemicals can leach from the plastic and into the beverage.
Some plastic straws may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, which are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These compounds can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance. Additionally, as plastic straws break down, they fragment into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which can be inadvertently ingested. Safer, non-leaching alternatives include food-grade stainless steel, glass, or silicone, which do not pose the same risks of chemical contamination.