Now that the holiday season is here, you are probably enjoying more of your favorite treats than usual. After a long year of hard work, you deserve it! One seasonal favorite of many is red wine, but it is no secret that this beverage can result in stained teeth. The good news is that you don’t need to give up red wine this holiday season to preserve the appearance of your smile. Continue reading to learn some ways that you can reduce and prevent red wine stains this winter.
Clean Your Teeth Before You Drink
When you enjoy a glass of wine, the color will cling to the plaque that’s on your teeth. By thoroughly brushing and flossing before you pour yourself a glass, you can remove plaque and food residue. Ultimately, this can help to minimize your risk of staining. This will also help to cut down on your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Rinse Your Mouth Afterward
To help prevent red wine from lingering on your teeth for too long, swish some water around your mouth afterward. Drinking water can also help to keep you hydrated when you consume alcohol, so it is a good habit to get into. You may think that brushing immediately after you finish your glass of wine will help to prevent staining, but this isn’t a good idea. The acid that’s present in wine weakens your tooth enamel, so brushing too soon can cause damage. You should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Have Your Wine with a Meal
When you eat, your food is stimulating saliva production in your mouth. Ultimately, this helps to reduce the effects of acid in wine and restore minerals to different areas of the teeth. When saliva is rinsing away and diluting the acid in your mouth, you are less likely to experience staining. Even if it isn’t mealtime, consider having a fibrous snack, like celery, apple slices, carrots, or hard cheese.
See Your Dentist
When you attend regular cleanings and checkups, your hygienist completes your visit by polishing your teeth. This helps to lift some of those stains on the surface of the teeth. That’s why you always leave the dental office with a squeaky-clean smile that appears brighter than before. If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, now would be an excellent time to schedule your never appointment.
You don’t need to give up red wine to keep your pearly whites white. By using the tips listed above you can continue to show off a bright, white smile!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer A. Reed is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for three decades. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UNMC College of Dentistry and achieved her certificate of specialization in prosthodontics in 1993. Currently, she is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, American Prosthodontic Society, and American College of Prosthodontists. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Lincoln, visit her website or call (402) 488-5007.
