Drinking red wine with a holiday meal is common, as it often pairs well with many of the dishes that are served. However, apart from the dangers of drinking too much alcohol, the tannins that exist in red wine can leave unsightly stains behind. Read on to learn more about this discoloration process and how teeth whitening can keep your smile looking its best.
Why Does Red Wine Stain Your Teeth?
Red wine contains three unique elements that can cause problems for your natural tooth enamel: colorful pigment (anthocyanins), tannins, and acidity.
Your teeth are porous, which means that they can easily absorb anything that adheres to them (i.e., pigments, bleaching agents, etc.). When drinking red wine, the rich color binds to your tooth enamel because of the tannins it contains. Once the acidity from the beverage begins to break down or etch the outer surface of your teeth, it becomes easier for stains to form, as your enamel will become more absorbent.
How Can Teeth Whitening Help?
If you already have tooth stains, you can always talk to your cosmetic dentist about professional teeth whitening. Using high-grade bleaching gel and custom-made take-home trays, the ingredients can penetrate the enamel and target stains.
Depending on the severity of your discoloration, you may need more than one treatment; however, the products your dentist uses are strong enough to remove surface and deep-down stains effectively.
What Can You Do to Avoid Red Wine Stains?
If you would rather avoid needing cosmetic dental treatment to brighten your smile, there are ways you can lower your risk of tooth stains caused by red wine. You can:
- Rinse your mouth with water. You might even consider keeping a glass nearby while drinking red wine. This helps wash away any tannins that might try to bind the colorful pigments to your teeth.
- Enjoy your red wine with a meal. Eating can actively remove anything that might try to stain your teeth. Think of raw vegetables like tiny toothbrushes that also neutralize harmful acids. The chewing motion also helps stimulate your salivary glands, which helps cleanse your mouth and teeth.
- Brush your teeth before drinking red wine, as this and flossing can eliminate plaque that makes it easy for stains to adhere to teeth.
If you feel like toasting with red wine this year, do so in moderation. Knowing what you can do to minimize stains and maintain a brighter smile can help you keep your teeth shining bright all season long.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Young graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1994 and completed a continuum at the KOIS Center for Advanced Dental Learning. He and the team at Forever Young Dentistry are pleased to provide professional take-home teeth whitening to help patients work toward a brighter smile. If holiday tooth stains caused by red wine and other similar foods and beverages have you concerned, visit our website or call (586) 315-4176 to schedule a consultation.