It’s the holiday season, and you’re probably looking forward to enjoying meals and parties with all your closest family and friends. During the cold winter months, red wine is a popular offering either on its own or heated and spiced. It’s natural to want to enjoy the moment and accept a glass when it’s offered, but you might also worry that you’ll stain your teeth.
You know your dentist can provide professional-grade teeth whitening solutions to remedy discoloration, but you’d prefer to avoid needing treatment if possible. If this sounds familiar, keep reading to learn more about how red wine taints your smile, and how you can prevent it!
How Does Red Wine Stain My Teeth?
Some dentists consider red wine to be a triple-threat when it comes to your pearly whites. It’s so effective at leaving your teeth looking ruddy because it contains:
- Anthocyanins. This refers to the pigments in grapes that give red wine its deep, purplish hue.
- Tannins. These come from the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes and bind the color to your teeth.
- Acidic ingredients. The acid content in wine can make your enamel more porous which allows the stains to stick more easily.
Because red wine contaminates your teeth by interacting with their surfaces, you can best stop it by regularly brushing and flossing them. This keeps your enamel strong so there’s no plaque buildup to cling to.
How Can I Reduce the Impact of Red Wine on My Teeth?
There are a few things you can do to dodge the effects of red wine including:
- Brushing and flossing before indulging. You might feel tempted to scrub your teeth after polishing off your glass. However, your enamel is weakened by the acid which can be removed when you brush. If you brush and floss 30 minutes before you indulge, then your enamel will be restored and more likely to resist stains.
- Rinsing with water afterward. Swishing water around your mouth once your wine glass is empty will keep it from sticking to your pearly whites. Also, because alcohol is a diuretic, it can dehydrate you. Replenish yourself by chasing it down with some refreshing H2O.
- Eating while you drink. Saliva is your body’s natural defense against acid damage because it neutralizes the lower pH balance and restores minerals to your enamel. Try munching vegetables like celery and broccoli, or pair your wine with a hard cheese, to increase spit production scour away potential stains.
If you find that your grin looks dim despite your best efforts, feel free to give your dentist a call. They’ll make sure your teeth are in good health and can provide treatments so that you can have the sparkling smile you deserve!
About the Practice
At Premier Dental Care, two dentists provide a wide range of services including fluoride and whitening treatments if you’re concerned about tooth stains. Our dental experts can improve the oral well-being of patients of all ages. With state-of-the-art technology and procedures, you can be confident that you’ll receive beautiful, lasting results. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (703) 860-8860.