Don’t Want Wine Teeth? Here’s How to Avoid It!

Leaves are changing color, temperatures are dropping, and stores are lining their shelves with holiday decorations. The wonderful time of gift-giving and family gatherings is officially upon us! You may look forward to eating delicious food and sipping red wine during all the festivities. However, red wine is known to stain teeth. If you’re not careful, you could start the new year with a discolored smile. Read on to learn why red wine stains and how you can keep your grin bright this holiday season!

Why Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?

Red wine causes extrinsic staining, which means the discoloration results from the colored compounds contacting your enamel. It happens because of the intense colored pigments interacting with the front-facing position of your teeth.

When you drink red wine, there are three threats your pearly whites are encountering: anthocyanins, tannins, and acid. The combination of these elements can lead to a discolored smile. For that reason, you must take proper care of your enamel and prevent plaque buildup to keep the wine pigment from sticking to your teeth.

How to Avoid Red Wine Teeth

You don’t have to forego red wine this holiday season! If you want to avoid staining and discoloration, you can easily accomplish that by taking proper precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Clean your teeth. Before heading to your holiday party, make sure you thoroughly brush and floss your teeth to remove plaque. Doing so will minimize your chances of staining since wine pigment clings to the film of plaque on your smile.
• Rinse your mouth. It’s always a good idea to drink water while consuming alcohol to keep you hydrated. In addition, taking a swig after sipping wine will wash away the staining particles.
• Eat as you drink. Consider munching on cheese and vegetables as you drink. They’ll act as a barrier to the acid in red wine. Plus, these foods stimulate saliva, helping reduce the effects of acid and restoring minerals to areas of the teeth.
• Use whitening toothpaste. It can effectively remove surface stains that naturally develop over time while also preventing new stains from forming. If you want to keep your smile bright throughout the year, you should brush with whitening toothpaste.

Don’t let the fear of red wine teeth keep you from enjoying the holiday season. With these tips, you can ensure your smile stays as sparkling as ever while still indulging in the occasional drink!

About the Author

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. He’s currently a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and the Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical/Dental Honor Society. Today, Dr. DeAngelo is passionate about making people smile. For more holiday oral health tips, visit our website or call (708) 854-5912.