(231) 737-2273
Appointment
For thousands of years, red wine has been enjoyed during special occasions because of its sharp, bold taste, its rich, red color, and the way it complements red meat so well. Today, it is especially common at holiday celebrations and feasts. While enjoying a little red wine in moderation is perfectly fine, consuming too much of it too frequently carries dangers for your dental health. Here’s how red wine can leave purplish stains on your teeth and how to enjoy it without having to deal with discoloration.
How Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?
Red wine is known for its earthy, biting flavor and its dark but warm shade. While these certainly make it a memorable beverage, they also contribute to the risks red wine poses to teeth. Red wine is high in acid, which gives it its bite, and pigments, which give it its rich color. When the acid in red wine makes contact with your teeth, it immediately begins to weaken your enamel, making it easier for the pigments to bind to their surface. If this happens too frequently, your teeth can begin to develop a purplish coloration.
How Can I Prevent Red Wine from Staining My Teeth?
Your first line of defense against dental stains should be proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash. This will keep your teeth strong while eliminating food debris and bacteria that can cause oral infections. Pigments can also easily get stuck in lingering plaque, so cleaning teeth can make them harder to stain. Wait for at least thirty minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking red wine.
While drinking red wine, you should always try to enjoy a glass of water alongside it. This will help prevent the wine from forming a residue on your teeth and stimulate healthy saliva flow that will help flush your mouth clean. Enjoying wine with a meal or snack can also stimulate saliva flow, and fibrous foods like carrots and celery and hard cheeses can help wipe plaque away from your teeth.
Beverages can be an important part of enjoying the holidays, but moderation and hygiene are key parts of having a good time. By watching out for your teeth while enjoying your red wine, you can help ensure that your teeth stay shiny and bright through the new year.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Heisser earned his dental doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and has completed more than five hundred hours of continuing education courses. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. His office in Norton Shores, MI offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on keeping your teeth healthy while celebrating the holidays, contact the office online or dial (231) 737-2273.