The dentist says that ‘Straws may be worse than you and your view’, for this reason warns against using them.

Can the use of straws affect your way of swallowing?

In his 9 May Instagram post, Dr. Apple says, “Do you know that using a straw can often be an issue for your myofunctional routine?”

He uses a regular straw as an example to explain his point. “Think about how you use a straw, whether it is for water, juice, or smoothie. You keep it in your mouth, suck your cheeks inside, pull your lips down, and create negative pressure. The back sucking speed can actually remove the tongue out of your natural state.

Dr. Apple explains that in the field of myofuctural therapy, the target is both highly stationed and back in the mouth while swallowing any unnecessary facial muscles. “We want naturally swallow, cheeks or lips without doing extra work,” they say.

What is the right way to use a straw

Interestingly, he suggests that there are specially designed straws that promote it called “Perfect swallow”. These straws make it impossible to use the wrong muscle patterns and instead encourages the position of the appropriate tongue while swallowing.

“The best way to use a straw is,” he says, “the liquid is to suck in your mouth, then remove your lips from the straw and swallow it normally. In this way, you remain in balance to your muscles and you are promoting a healthy, natural swallowing technique.”

Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.