Gatherings of all kinds happen during the holidays and good wine goes well with good company. Dental wine stains, however, are a common and unwanted issue with drinking red wines. Many people find the need to undergo teeth whitening treatments once the festivities are over to restore their snowy grin.
If you want to avoid staining your teeth with your wine this year, continue reading. You’ll find some tips to keep those pearly whites shining bright.
Water Washes Away Dental Wine Stains
Water is great as a companion to your glass of wine. Not only will this dilute the alcohol to keep you alert, but it will also help your teeth. Water washes away the pigments in wine that stick to your tooth enamel and stimulates your salivary glands. Your saliva will keep your teeth and gums protected while you let the good times roll.
Pair Wine with Cheese to Protect Teeth
Cheese is the next best thing to water when you’re trying to protect your teeth from dental wine stains. It can make you feel fancy as well as provide a protective coating for your teeth as you drink. In addition, cheese is bursting with probiotic bacteria that help keep your oral health in check.
Make the Switch to White Wine
Rich red wine is full of chromogens and tannins which like to inhabit the pores of your tooth enamel. These chemicals contribute to the pigment and taste of the wine, but are also the primary culprit in staining. White wine doesn’t have these compounds, so it’s much more tooth-friendly in terms of staining.
Use a Straw to Avoid Dental Wine Stains
Using a straw is a simple life hack that can help you avoid tooth contact with the pigmented liquid. The less time the wine spends touching your teeth, the fewer tannins will manage to stick to your enamel. This is also the perfect way to avoid the acid that is inherent in wine which can erode tooth enamel.
Deep red wine spiced with cinnamon and clove can keep you warm in your home during friendly gatherings. After savoring the flavors, be sure to continue your oral care routine, and give your teeth the gift of cleanliness. If the wine wins and stains your smile, a teeth whitening treatment from your dentist can help restore it!
About the Author
Dr. Shelly Strohman has been working hard to provide quality dental care in Wichita Falls for over a decade. She graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry and began expanding her horizons with additional certification and licensure in multiple fields of dentistry. To schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Strohman Dental, call (940) 613-0299 or visit the website to explore other services.