A videofluoroscopic comparison of straw and cup drinking: the potential influence on dental erosion.
OBJECTIVE
Videofluoroscopy was used to compare drinking from a cup with drinking through straws of two varying bore diameters in different positions in the mouth.


METHODS
Clinical study at a single centre.


METHODS
UK dental school.


METHODS
Twenty patients showing clinical signs of erosion which had necessitated advice and/or treatment.


METHODS
Subjects drank from a cup and through a narrow straw, which was then repositioned more posteriorly. A wide bore straw was used in two equivalent positions. Swallowing was viewed laterally and anteroposteriorly to assess involvement of incisors and molars respectively.


METHODS
Video recordings examined for presence or absence of fluid contact with teeth following each swallow. If contact occurred, the time was measured.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients avoided fluid contact with both incisors and molars when using a straw. Compared with the cup, significant differences were found with the narrow straw (P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval of 22.6% to 31.6%), the narrow straw repositioned (P = 0.008, 95% confidence interval of 12.3% to 47.1%) and the wide straw repositioned (P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval of 3.1% to 37.5%). Contact time of fluid with anterior teeth was also significantly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Drinking through a straw positioned toward the back of the mouth may reduce the erosive potential of soft drinks.
Edwards
M
M
Department of Child Dental Health, Glasgow Dental Hospital.
Ashwood
R A
RA
Littlewood
S J
SJ
Brocklebank
L M
LM
Fung
D E
DE
D000293:Adolescent; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002933:Cineradiography; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D004326:Drinking / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014061:Tongue Habits; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014743:Videotape Recording