For many people, the holidays are all about enjoying good food and indulgent treats with family and friends. That can look like sitting around a fireplace sipping on homemade mulled wine or buying a special, top-notch bottle of red wine to serve with your holiday prime rib roast. However, by the time the holidays are over, you may notice your teeth looking a bit discolored. Read on to learn how you can enjoy your holiday red wine without worrying about noticeable tooth stains.
Why Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?
A good rule of thumb to use when determining whether something you’re eating or drinking will stain your teeth is if it will stain a white t-shirt. Red wine will stain just about anything, so you can definitely expect it to discolor your smile, especially if you drink it frequently during the holidays. This is because it contains tannins, which are molecules that bind to organic compounds and give red wine its vibrant, concentrated color. These tannins can bind to your teeth and the plaque on them, causing your smile to look discolored.
Another red wine trait that can impact your teeth is the fact that it’s acidic. Consuming too many acidic beverages can erode your enamel over time, which will reveal the underlying layer of your teeth, called the dentin. Dentin is yellow-ish in color, which can cause your smile to look stained when more of it is revealed.
How Can You Prevent Stained Teeth Caused by Wine?
The best ways to prevent staining from occurring if you love to drink red wine during the holidays are to remember to stay hydrated with water, brush and floss your teeth before drinking, and enjoy your beverage with a meal! By drinking plenty of water, you can keep the stains from settling onto your teeth. Likewise, because tannins bond with plaque, by brushing and flossing before enjoying a glass, you will provide them with less organic material to grasp onto. And lastly, by drinking with your food, your mouth will produce more saliva to help neutralize the acid in your mouth and prevent enamel erosion.
What Can You Do to Brighten Your Smile After the Holidays?
If you notice that your smile looks discolored after the holidays, or even before, you can ask your cosmetic dentist in Waco about professional teeth whitening. They offer both take-home and in-office teeth whitening that can brighten your smile by up to eight shades in a single appointment or two weeks of home use, allowing you to give your smile a quick refresh.
By using the helpful tips above to reduce staining caused by red wine this holiday season, you can continue smiling with confidence for the rest of the year!
About the Practice
At Premier Family Dental, our knowledgeable team and cosmetic dentists in Waco offer a number of smile-brightening services, including professional teeth whitening and dental veneers. With a passion for helping patients feel more confident in their smiles, our dentists are excellent at recommending services that will help your teeth look truly radiant. To schedule a consultation and learn more, visit our website or call 254-732-0309.