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Bold, bright, fruity, acidic, full-bodied, sweet — there are so many ways to describe a good wine. And May 25th is the day we get to break out a few bottles for a tasting, or visit our favorite wineries to see what’s new on the market. However you choose to celebrate National Wine Day, we have a few tips on how to remove those stubborn stains.
This isn’t just your dentist talking. Flossing regularly can help prevent staining from red wine. The sticky plaque that builds up between teeth traps the red pigment in wine, causing pearly whites to appear more and more purple with every sip. Flossing can help remove plaque, keep the red wine stains at bay, and allow you to maintain good oral health.
Maybe you’ll start with white wine because you think less red will result in less staining. But if you plan on switching, we’d recommend rethinking the strategy. Wine is particularly acidic and those acids erode tooth enamel. If you start with white and switch to red, the acids have already done their work. Your teeth will be perfectly primed for red wine stains. A good rule of thumb is to stick with one color. And if you start with red, stick with red.
Brushing your teeth to remove wine stains after a few glasses of red is obvious. But did you know that cleaning your teeth before drinking red wine can help prevent staining? It’s the same logic as flossing: remove the plaque before you start drinking and the red pigment in wine will have less to stick to.
If you skipped on brushing beforehand, wait at least one hour after you finish your wine to brush your teeth. Your teeth and gums will be more sensitive from all the acids, and brushing along with that acidity will advance your enamel erosion. And next time, don’t forget to take a preventive measure and brush before you sip!
Fibrous foods like celery and carrots are natures toothbrushes. They scrub the teeth, removing plaque and bacteria while you chew. Plus, they’re good for you! Add a little nutrition to your next wine tasting to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and stain-free.
When tooth staining is a bit too prevalent, and regular brushing and flossing isn’t enough, try an Oak Park teeth whitening treatment from Dr. Wesley Wise. We offer take-home whitening services that are more effective than over-the-counter strips and gels, but gentler than most in-office treatments, which means you can get a brighter smile in the comfort of your own home without the zingers. Custom trays will keep the whitening gel on your teeth and away from gums, and you can slowly progress to your desired brightness. Give us a call at (708) 524-0330 to schedule a consultation and we can talk about your options.
Keep drinking and keep smiling!