What would a tropical drink be without these decorative devices? Whether crazy or straight—straws certainly don’t suck. Other than the 24 hours following tooth removal, we don’t see any reason to skip on straws.

Here’s why we love them:

• Straws keep cavities out.

Sweet and sour make a good team for your takeout order—not your teeth. When beverages high in sugar and/or acidity touch your teeth, bacteria is left behind to cook up cavities, enamel erosion and other dental issues. Even if you never drink soda, acid can hide in healthy places like sparkling water and Kombucha. Straws act as a teeth tunnel, limiting liquid contact. For optimal protection, make sure to position your straw towards the back of your mouth.

• Straws never throw shade.

Dark drinks can create surface stains, dulling the shade of your smile. Sip through a straw to prevent surface stains on those all-important front teeth. So even if you take your coffee black you can still smile white.

• Straws appreciate your sensitive side.

The modern drinking straw was invented to get cold drinks past sensitive teeth. And its original use still holds true today. Tooth enamel can wear away, causing exposed dentin. That exposed dentin is sensitive to icy shakes and piping hot chocolate. And dentin makes your smile super sensitive to pain—especially temperature. A milkshake is more fun to drink out of a straw and it protects your teeth from that freezing cold frothy goodness.  

• Straws don’t have to be wasteful.

The environment draws the short straw with wasteful plastic versions. With a lifespan lasting only a few minutes, when grasping at straws, pick an eco-friendly option. Reusable, BPA-free versions come in materials like acrylic and glass. Recyclable paper straws are making a comeback too. And hay—there’s even a straw made out of straw.

Drink with a straw and your smile will win.