Are Glass Straws Safe? What Dentists Actually Say

Glass straws have surged in popularity as people look for healthier, more sustainable alternatives to plastic. But a common question stops many people before they make the switch: are glass straws actually safe to drink from? And what about breakage?

Here's the honest answer — from a brand founded by a dentist.

## What Type of Glass Are They Made From?

Not all glass is created equal. Simply Straws are made from **borosilicate glass** — the same material used in laboratory equipment, Pyrex cookware, and high-end drinkware. Borosilicate glass is:

- **Thermal shock resistant** — won't crack when moving from a cold drink to a warm rinse
- **Impact resistant** — significantly stronger than standard soda-lime glass
- **Non-porous** — bacteria and odors can't hide inside the material the way they can in silicone or bamboo straws
- **Chemical-free** — no BPA, no phthalates, no leaching of any kind

This is the gold standard for reusable drinkware, and it's what every Simply Straws glass straw is made from.

## What Do Dentists Say About Glass Straws?

Simply Straws was founded by a dentist — so this question is close to home.

Dentists generally recommend glass straws for several reasons:

**Reduced teeth staining**: Drinking through a straw keeps acidic or pigmented beverages (coffee, tea, kombucha, juice) away from tooth enamel, reducing staining and erosion over time. Glass is the cleanest material for this because it's completely flavor-neutral and non-reactive.

**No metallic taste**: Metal straws can subtly alter the taste of your drink, which leads some people to drink less water. Glass straws have zero taste impact.

**Enamel protection**: Sipping acidic drinks through a straw reduces direct contact with enamel — glass straws make this habit easy and sustainable.

**Skin-conscious sipping**: Wider glass straws require less lip pursing than narrow plastic straws, which means less repetitive facial movement over time — a benefit that's gained attention in the wellness community.

## Are Glass Straws Breakable?

Yes — glass can break. But with borosilicate glass, it's much more resilient than people expect, and Simply Straws backs every straw with a **Lifetime Guarantee Against Breakage**.

A few things that prevent breakage:

**ClinkGuard™**: Our industry-exclusive silicone sleeve fits precisely at the base of every Tumbler straw. It absorbs impact when the glass meets the inside of a stainless steel tumbler, eliminating the "clink" and protecting the straw from chips and cracks. No other glass straw brand offers this.

**Gentle handling**: Run straws under warm water before washing with hot water to avoid thermal shock (though borosilicate handles this well regardless).

## Are They Safe for Kids?

Glass straws are generally safe for older children under supervision. For young children or toddlers, we recommend waiting until they're old enough to handle glassware carefully — the same rule you'd apply to glass cups.

## How Do Glass Straws Compare to Other Materials?

| Material | BPA-Free | Taste Neutral | Eco-Friendly | Dentist Approved |
|----------|----------|---------------|--------------|------------------|
| Glass | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Stainless Steel | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Partial |
| Silicone | ✅ | Partial | Partial | Partial |
| Plastic | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Paper | ✅ | ❌ | Partial | ❌ |

## The Bottom Line

Borosilicate glass straws are among the safest, cleanest, and most dentist-friendly straws available. The breakage concern — while real — is largely addressed by material quality, thoughtful design features like ClinkGuard™, and a Lifetime Guarantee that has your back if anything does go wrong.

Simply Straws is a Certified B Corp, a Women-Owned business, and a member of 1% for the Planet. Every purchase supports environmental nonprofits fighting plastic pollution.