You like to pair your holiday turkey dinner with a glass of red wine. There’s nothing wrong with having good taste, but you should know that this darkly pigmented liquid can quickly turn your pearly whites yellow!
Fortunately, you don’t have to turn down your favorite festive beverage for the sake of a picture-perfect smile. A few tips can help mitigate the staining effects of red wine, so just keep reading to learn more.
Why is Red Wine So Potent?
Red wine’s not the only drink that can stain your teeth. Coffee and fruit juices are just a few other examples. However, three things make red wine especially potent:
- Anthocyanins are pigments often found in plants – such as grapes. They’re what gives red wine its beautifully rich color.
- Tannins are a chemical compound that have a tendency to bind to your saliva. They also attract anthocyanins and get stuck to your enamel.
- Acidity weakens your enamel, which essentially makes it easier for pigments to settle in as a stain.
As you can see, this isn’t a great combination for the color integrity of your teeth!
Brush and Floss Regularly
Your first line of defense against red wine stains is to keep your pearly whites clean and pristine on a regular basis. Fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen your enamel against anthocyanins, so be sure to pick up a tube if you need a refill. It might seem simple, but brushing twice daily and flossing once daily prevents pigments (and bacteria!) from piling on top of each other and creating more discoloration.
Rinse with Water
If a glass of wine gets spilled on the carpet, you might know that it’s best to take care of it right away. The longer it’s left to sit, the more time it has to become absorbed by carpet fibers. The same principle applies to your teeth. When you’ve finished your glass, rinse your mouth with water to loosen up the tannins and anthocyanins – or if you’re a sipper, keep water nearby so you can drink it between sips.
Visit Your Dentist
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are just as helpful as a consistent at-home hygiene routine. Your dentist’s professional tools and skills can wipe clean tougher stains that are challenging for your toothbrush. Most dentists recommend scheduling these appointments on a biannual basis for the best results and a healthier smile.
Plus, if all else fails, you can ask your dentist about teeth whitening treatment! As the name implies, teeth whitening can brighten your smile by several shades. However, it’s not for everyone, which is why you’ll want to check-in with your dentist about the details. When it comes down to it, they’re your best resource for maintaining holiday-ready pearly whites!
About the Author
Dr. Aarati Kalluri has over 20 years of experience in dentistry, and has advanced training in multiple specialties, such as cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re looking to fortify your smile with a checkup and cleaning or brighten your pearly whites, she’ll attend to your dental needs with kind and compassionate care. To contact Dr. Kalluri’s office, call 503-352-5116.