Red wine has been a popular beverage for celebrations for thousands of years because of its gorgeous color, robust flavor, and acidic bite. Unfortunately, these attributes also make it risky for your oral health if you aren’t careful. Here’s how you can enjoy this drink while keeping your teeth happy and healthy as well as how your dentist can address stubborn enamel stains.
Why Is Red Wine Risky?
Red wine gets its distinctive color from pigments and tannins, and these chemicals can cause unsightly reddish or purplish dental stains and discoloration if they get stuck in the enamel. To make matters worse, red wine gets its biting taste from acid that will begin eroding your enamel on contact. Drinking too much red wine without protecting your teeth can lead to tooth decay and make you less willing to show off your smile.
How Can I Mitigate the Risks of Red Wine?
Luckily, you can reduce the risks that come with drinking red wine by taking a few simple precautions. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash every day.
- Enjoy a tall glass of water alongside your red wine to help flush the liquid away from your teeth.
- Drink red wine, coffee, tea, cola, or any other dark beverage through a straw to reduce how much contact it makes with your teeth.
- Snack on raw fruits and veggies or firm cheeses that will help rub harmful substances off your teeth without harming your enamel.
How Can My Dentist Address Dental Stains?
Some people develop stubborn dental stains and discoloration that do not respond to conventional oral hygiene methods, and many dentists offer effective teeth whitening treatments designed to lift these blemishes and leave the smile up to ten shades brighter. These treatments take the form of an in-office whitening procedure that takes about an hour or a take-home kit that can be completed over two weeks. Either option can be an excellent way to brighten your teeth after the holidays.
Red wine can be a delightful beverage if you enjoy it in moderation. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to preserve your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon earned his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and refines his skills further by participating in continuing education coursework. He is proud to be a member of the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His office in Ocala offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dental services such as teeth whitening. To learn more about protecting your teeth during the holidays, contact him on the web or dial (352) 622-3236.