Red wine can be a lovely beverage that pairs marvelously well with beef and lamb, but the pigments and tannins that give it its gorgeous color can cause dental stains and discoloration if you are not careful. To make matters worse, alcohol is acidic, which means it begins weakening your enamel on contact. Thankfully, you can help your smile stay white and bright by maintaining a few smart drinking habits during the holidays. Here’s a quick look at how you can prevent dental stains and how your dentist can address them with professional teeth whitening treatments.
How Can I Prevent Dental Stains While Drinking Red Wine?
Red wine is a popular drink at holiday parties and feasts, but staying mindful and implementing a few best practices can protect your smile from dental stains and enamel erosion. A few guidelines to keep in mind include:
- Consume wine and other alcoholic beverages only in moderation.
- Enjoy your wine alongside a tall glass of water to help flush the liquid away from your teeth.
- Snack on appetizers such as raw fruits and veggies and firm cheeses, as these foods are firm enough to scrape harmful chemicals away from the teeth while being soft enough to be harmless to the enamel.
- Drink your wine through a straw to reduce how much of it touches your teeth.
- Drink your wine with a meal to promote healthy saliva flow.
- Chew on sugar-free gum after meals and beverages other than water.
- Thoroughly clean your teeth at least one hour after drinking wine. This will include brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash.
What If I Already Have Dental Stains?
If you already have unsightly dental stains or discoloration, your dentist will be happy to address this issue with professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver results far superior to similar store-bought products. These treatments can be administered in the form of an in-office procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can brighten your grin in about two weeks. In either case, your smile will be up to eight shades whiter.
Don’t let a few glasses of red wine lead to stubborn dental stains. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your smile bright, white, and shiny.
About the Practice
Dr. Julia Karpman earned her dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and received advanced training in periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery at Danbury Hospital. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Connecticut State Dental Association. Her office in Rocky Hill offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact her office on the web or dial (860) 563-3766.