During the holiday festivities, it’s not uncommon for the adults at a gathering to open a bottle of red wine. After all, this potent potable has been enjoyed by revelers for thousands of years, and it pairs excellently with a nice beef dish. While red wine can be a delightful beverage for festive occasions, it can unfortunately lead to stained teeth if you are not careful. Here’s how red wine can stain your teeth along with a few tips to keep your smile that lovely shade of pearly white.
Why Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?
Red wine contains a lot of acid and pigment, and sweet reds also have a high sugar content. When this acid makes contact with your teeth, it begins to break down your enamel layer, making it more porous. With your enamel in this weakened state, the pigments in the beverage can become stuck in the outer layers of your teeth. Over time, this can result in your smile developing a purplish tinge. The problem can be exacerbated with sweet reds because the sugar will feed bacteria that will also contribute to acid erosion.
How Can I Protect My Teeth from Red Wine Stains?
The good news is that you shouldn’t have to worry much about red wine staining your teeth if you drink it in moderation and practice proper oral hygiene. A few more ways to keep your teeth from stains and discoloration while drinking red wine include:
Give your teeth a thorough cleaning beforehand.
The pigments that cause discoloration can become stuck in the plaque clinging to your teeth, which can make it easier for them to bind to your enamel. If you brush and floss before you enjoy a glass of red, you can clear this plaque away and minimize the chances of any stains occurring. It will also make your teeth look pretty when you’re smiling at your fellow wine drinkers. You may want to consider switching to a whitening toothpaste if you are concerned about stains.
Keep water on hand.
It’s always a great idea to enjoy a glass of water while drinking alcohol to avoid dehydration, but it can also help prevent stains. When you drink water, it helps prevent damage to your teeth by flushing away food debris and residues from them. You should also try rinsing your mouth afterward. If you want to brush after drinking red wine, wait at least thirty minutes so your teeth have a chance to recover from the acid exposure.
Enjoy your wine with a meal.
Your mouth steps up its saliva production when you eat. This extra saliva flow helps flush food particles and sugary residues away from your teeth while helping to neutralize acids. This means that enjoying your red wine with a meal can help prevent stains from developing.
The holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of others. By keeping these tips in mind, you can keep your teeth just as lovely for when you all gather again next year.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss earned his dental degree from Indiana University’s School of Dentistry in Indianapolis where he was awarded the Dentsply International Merit Award for Prosthodontics. He was a delegate for the Illinois State Dental Society from 2006-2008 and became a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Dentists in 2012. His office in Skokie, IL offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on keeping your teeth from stains, contact his office online or dial (847) 864-0188.