The holidays are a great time to unwind, and there’s no better way to relax than with red wine. However, while you may enjoy a glass with dinner, your teeth might not appreciate it. Red wine is famous for staining clothes and carpets, and it can just as easily discolor your teeth. That said, there are things you can do to lower your chances of having your smile darken as you drink. Here are some things you can try to keep your smile white over the holidays.
Why Does Red Wine Darken My Teeth?
There are two main reasons why red wine stains your teeth. The first, of course, is its dark color. The pigments in red wine can soak into your enamel and darken it. The second reason is less obvious: its acidity. Because red wine is acidic, it can actually erode away a little bit of enamel as you drink it. This allows its dark pigments to penetrate deeply, discoloring your teeth to a greater extent than they would otherwise.
How Do I Stop Red Wine from Staining My Teeth?
While you could always try cutting back a little if you want to prevent stains, there are some methods you can use to reduce red wine’s harmful effects:
- Clean your teeth before you drink: The longer that red wine sticks to your teeth, the greater the chance of stains setting in. The pigments in red wine can adhere to plaque deposits. Making sure your teeth are clean before you have a glass of wine prevents that from happening.
- Have a glass of water: In the same vein, a glass of water can wash the wine out of your mouth, giving the pigments less time to soak into the enamel. Water will also prevent you from getting dehydrated, which is a good idea any time you’re drinking.
- Pair it with cheese: Nothing goes together better than wine and cheese, and that combo also happens to be great for your teeth. Cheese stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth, which serves as a natural cleanser.
- Go in for teeth whitening: If you’ve had a little too much to drink over the holidays, professional teeth whitening can undo some of the damage. In just one appointment, your smile can be made up to eight shades whiter!
Finally, the best way to keep your teeth white is to brush and floss frequently. Pair that with these tips, and your smile should stay bright all the way through the holiday season.
About Our Practice
At Dental Designs of New England our patients love us, and we want to show you why. Between our clean, modern office and our dedicated dental team, we’ll be able to make you as comfortable as possible during your visit. We have three experienced dentists on staff, which means we’re prepared to handle nearly any issue you may have. And if you don’t have insurance, we have flexible financing options that can give you access to our cutting-edge dental care. If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth during the holidays, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (603) 429-2199.
