Keep Red Wine from Staining Your Teeth This Holiday Season with These Tips

Red wine is an ancient beverage that is used in celebrations across the world. It’s known for its robust, fruity flavor, its dark color, and how it pairs amazingly well with red meat, making it an excellent way to commemorate a holiday. However, it is also notorious for its ability to stain or discolor teeth. Luckily, there are measures you can take to prevent that from happening as well as dental treatments that can undo the damage. Here are a few tips to follow at your next holiday gathering to avoid having a purplish smile afterward.

How Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?

While red wine can stain your teeth, it shouldn’t be a problem if you practice proper oral hygiene and drink it in moderation. Red wine causes extrinsic stains, meaning stains that form on the outer surfaces of your teeth. Red wine is high in both acid and pigments. Acid has the unfortunate effect of weakening your enamel as soon as it makes contact with your teeth. This makes it easier for pigments to bond with it or become embedded in it. The result is a one-two punch that can make your pearly whites vaguely purple.

How Can I Avoid Wine Stains on My Teeth?

The good news is that there are several methods you can use to keep your teeth safe from red wine discoloration. A few of them include:

• Thoroughly clean your teeth beforehand: Pigments can get stuck in plaque clinging to your teeth, so brushing and flossing thoroughly before drinking wine can help keep your teeth safe from stains. This will also reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
• Enjoy a glass of water with your red: Drinking water is great for your oral health because it promotes saliva production while diluting and washing away food residues and acids that can harm your enamel. It’s a great idea to drink water when you enjoy an adult beverage anyway, as it helps prevent dehydration. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking wine will also reduce the risk of stains forming.
• Enjoy your wine with a meal: Many fibrous fruits and vegetables can naturally clean your teeth by scraping away plaque and food residues without harming your enamel. Munching on healthy snacks like broccoli, celery, or hard cheeses can help keep wine from sticking to your teeth for too long.
• Try a whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste can remove surface stains from your teeth and help prevent new ones from forming.

The holidays are a special time of year when friends and families gather together to celebrate and make merry. Be sure to enjoy the festivities, but take care so your teeth remain just as beautiful for when the holidays come again next year.

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair earned his dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has practiced dentistry since 1995. He served as a Faculty Club member at Spear Education from 1999 until 2020 and has achieved Diplomate status with The American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. His office in Rowley, MA offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening. For more information on preventing dental stains, contact his office online or dial (978) 948-2030.