Top 5 Ways to Avoid Red Wine Stains on Your Teeth
May 25, 2017 by Dr. John
Top 5 Ways to Avoid Red Wine Stains on Your Teeth
Happy National Wine Day! Most of us are aware that moderate wine consumption can have many health benefits. Studies have shown that it may reduce the risk of certain cancers, lengthen your lifespan, improve your mental health and is good for your heart. However, red wine is acidic and contains chromogens and tannins that can stain your teeth. Here’s our top 5 ways to avoid red wine stains on your teeth:
- Brush Before – The tannins in the wine cling to any plaque on your teeth. Brushing before you drink wine decreases the chances of having wine stains on your teeth. However, brushing after you drink wine can leave your teeth extra sensitive due to the acidity. It’s a good idea to wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
- Rinse with H2O – Try having a glass of water after drinking wine to rinse your teeth and save the brushing for a little later. Water helps the stain-forming tannins from clinging to your teeth for too long.
- Add Cheese, Please – Wine and cheese are the perfect combo for good reason. Along with wine and cheese having the perfect harmony on your palate, hard cheeses like Cheddar and Asiago have calcium that coats your teeth. This makes it harder for the tannins to stick.
- Wipe Them Off – Use a cloth or wet paper towel to clean your teeth and wipe away potentially staining tannins. There are actually wine wipes sold at stores now because of the effectiveness of using this method.
- Eat Your Veggies – Foods high in fiber like spinach, broccoli, and carrots require a lot of chewing, which produces saliva. The food itself and the extra saliva work in together to naturally scrub stains from your teeth.
If you are unhappy with the discoloration of your teeth, contact our office for more details on whitening treatment! We would be happy to answer any questions. Call Trinity Premier Dental today for an evaluation at (727) 835-7076. Happy National Wine Day!
Bottoms Up!
