During the last couple of months of the year, many people host or attend parties. Often, red wine is the beverage of choice at such gatherings. There is nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in a glass of wine — in fact, drinking in moderation may have a few health benefits! However, you should be cautious. Red wine could stain your teeth if you do not take proper precautions. How can you maintain a bright smile? This blog post provides helpful information.
How Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?
Red wine is sort of a triple threat when it comes to dental discoloration:
- Anthocyanins are pigments in grapes that give wine its rich red color.
- Tannins in wine allow the pigments to bind to your teeth.
- Wine’s acidic nature etches your tooth enamel and makes it easier for pigments to stick.
How Can You Avoid Red Wine Stains?
Here are some tips to help you avoid red wine stains:
- Brush and floss beforehand. Pigments can cling to plaque on your teeth. Therefore, brushing and flossing before an indulgent meal may help your teeth maintain their beauty and brightness.
- Sip on water. Sipping on water can rinse away lingering pigment particles in your mouth. It can also help to keep you hydrated.
- Eat while you drink. Snack on cheese and veggies as you sip your wine; they can create a barrier that acts against the acid in wine. They do so by stimulating saliva production. Saliva can rinse away acids, and it contains minerals that help to fortify teeth.
- Wait 30 – 60 minutes before brushing your teeth. Some people are too eager to protect their teeth, so they brush immediately after they finish their wine. That is unwise because wine softens tooth enamel; brushing too soon could cause further damage. It may take 30 – 60 minutes before the enamel hardens again.
- Drink through a straw. It might seem silly to drink wine through a straw, but doing so can minimize its contact with your teeth.
- Use whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste can remove new surface stains and minimize the effects of highly pigmented foods and beverages. (If you have deep set dental stains, you may need to invest in a professional teeth whitening treatment.)
You deserve to feel confident about your smile! Use the above tips to maintain a bright and fresh grin as you are socializing with friends and family.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Matthew McKissock and Rupal Thakkar are proud to provide top-quality general and cosmetic dentistry to the Windermere community. Dr. McKissock has completed extensive training in Aesthetics at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. If you need help to brighten your smile, or you have other concerns about the health or appearance of your teeth, our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our practice at 407-909-1099.
