Oh that delicious red wine. The wine that is your reward at the end of a long day or your finest accompaniment to a rich meal. While a little vino can do you some good, (just like a good cup of joe) this beverage doesn’t do your teeth any favors. Red wine stains are noticeable and dramatic, leaving your enamel purplish, bluish, or greyish.
There are three main reasons wine stains your teeth:
- Chromogens: Chromogens are responsible for the intensity of the color in the wine. The stronger the chromogens, the deeper the stains.
- Tannins: The tannins in wine hold on to the chromogens and this compound factor lends itself to staining tooth enamel.
- Acidity: The acids in wine microscopically etch away at tooth enamel, leaving teeth more vulnerable to discoloration from red wine.
Now, is there anything that can be done to prevent red wine from staining your teeth, barring completely abstaining from drinking your beverage of choice? Of course!
- Brush at the right time. You don’t want to brush your teeth between every glass or sip of wine, nor is it a good idea. Brushing immediately after drinking red wine can actually damage your tooth enamel. Those pesky acids cause teeth to be incredibly sensitive to abrasion, including from your toothbrush. Your best bet is to brush before you drink to help prevent wine from clinging to the plaque that is on your teeth and staining it.
- Pair your wine with cheese. Wine and cheese really are a lovely pair, and it’s for more reasons that just flavor. Hard cheeses can actually create a bit of a barrier on your teeth – thanks to a calcium build-up – so that it’s far more difficult for wine to stain your tooth enamel.
- Select a water accompaniment. Water in any form drunk between sips of wine can help rinse off your teeth. If you choose sparkling water, the carbonation can help keep stains at arm’s length.
- Chew gum. Gum after a glass of red wine – when other teeth cleaning methods are not available or unadvisable – will stimulate the production of saliva, which is good for “washing” your mouth and your teeth.
- Eat your veggies. Just like gum, high-fiber foods can encourage your salivary glands to go into overdrive. Feel free to order some greens with your meal, like spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, or broccoli. Choose your menu order wisely, from appetizers to desserts.
Cheat sheet to cosmetic dentistry 101 >>
Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions for Stained Teeth
If your teeth have become severely stained and discolored, a professional teeth whitening treatment can often do the trick and give you back the white smile you once had, perhaps even whiter than you’ve ever had. When stains have moved beyond the tooth enamel, your smile makeover will be a little more involved. Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular solutions for permanently discolored teeth, whether from red wine, antibiotics, or any other reason.
Whatever the reason for your tooth stains, whatever the ultimate solution, make a point to keep up with your dental cleanings and exams every six months. Even if you’re diligent about taking care of your teeth, a professional touch is still necessary to scrape away the plaque, tarter, and stains that you can’t budge with dental floss and a toothbrush.
Be proud of your smile, so you can drink and eat and socialize with confidence, smile big on your wedding day, or relax during that business dinner. Make an appointment with Dr. Michael J. Wei at his Manhattan dental office to discuss your smile makeover needs.
