For some, there’s nothing better during the cold winter nights than a nice glass of warm spiced wine. However, while it’s certainly well-liked, its dark pigments can leave your teeth looking less like snowflakes and more like mistletoe. So how can you prevent tooth stains with red wine so you can enjoy it through the season? Continue reading to find out!
Brush Before, Not After
While it might seem counterintuitive, brushing your teeth before enjoying red wine can help minimize staining. This is because plaque buildup on your teeth acts like a sponge, absorbing the wine’s pigments. By brushing beforehand, you reduce the surface area for stains to latch onto.
As an aside, you should also avoid brushing immediately after drinking. The acidity of wine softens enamel, making it more vulnerable to damage. If you can’t take care of your smile until afterward, rinse your mouth with water instead and wait at least 30 minutes. Then you can brush without worry.
Pair Cheese with Wine
Cheese isn’t just a tasty pairing for red wine—it’s also great for your teeth! First, chewing cheese stimulates saliva production, which helps rinse away wine’s staining compounds. Second, cheese creates a waxy coating on your teeth, giving them extra protection against stains. For the best results, choose firm, lighter-colored cheese like cheddar or gouda for your holiday charcuterie boards.
Drink Water Between Sips
Sipping water alongside your wine is one of the easiest ways to prevent stains. It washes away the pigments and tannins before they have a chance to settle down on your pearly whites. So, swish water around your mouth after each sip of wine to keep stains at bay and stay hydrated throughout the evening.
Use a Straw
While it may make you feel like a kid, drinking red wine through a straw minimizes direct contact with your teeth. This simple trick can significantly reduce staining, especially if you enjoy multiple glasses of wine during your holiday festivities. If you worry that drinking with a straw will make you stand out, try bringing a few to your gatherings disguised as party favors!
Grab Fibrous Snacks
Cheese isn’t the only tooth-friendly food that will help you prevent stains. Apples, celery, and carrots are full of fiber, acting as natural toothbrushes and scrubbing away surface stains as you chew. Including these in your holiday snacks can subtly counteract the staining effects of red wine.
With a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite ruby wine this holiday season without sacrificing your smile. Stick to these tips, and you’ll keep tooth stains at bay, staying ready for holiday selfies and family portraits well into the new year!
About the Practice
At D’Andrea Pantera, we specialize in helping patients keep their smiles bright and healthy all year round. Whether through professional teeth whitening, veneers, or other treatments, our team is here to help. Call (203) 288-0951 to schedule an appointment at our Hamden office or visit our website for more advice on caring for your smile this holiday season.
