Protecting Your Teeth from Red Wine Stains This Upcoming Holiday Season

The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it, festive dinners, cheerful gatherings, and of course, plenty of thoughtful toasts shared over glasses of red wine. While this beverage may be a seasonal favorite, red wine is also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining your teeth. But before you skip walking down the wine aisle entirely, here’s what you need to know about red wine and dental staining and some tips for keeping your teeth bright all season long.

Why Red Wine Causes Dental Staining

Red wine leaves stains on teeth due to a combination of things: its bold, deeply-pigmented molecules, tannins, which help those stain-causing molecules bind to your teeth, and acidity. Wine is naturally acidic, and since acids can soften your enamel, it leaves your teeth more porous and vulnerable to stains, as well as decay and other issues. Wine is also often sipped over time, leading to further enamel exposure and an increased risk of staining.

Tips to Enjoy Red Wine Without the Stains

The good news is that you can still enjoy all of your favorite holiday beverages, including red wine, while also protecting your pearly whites from unsightly stains. Keep these useful tips in mind:

• Drink water between glasses, as rinsing your mouth will help to wash away pigments and acids before they settle on your enamel.
• Don’t brush immediately after drinking, but instead, wait at least half an hour, since wine temporarily softens your enamel, and brushing too soon/hard might cause harm.
• Pair your wine with smart, smile-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, or fibrous fruits and vegetables to help increase your mouth’s saliva flow.
• If you’re also drinking things like soda, coffee, or juice, consider using a drinking straw to minimize the amount of contact with your teeth. Even wine through a straw is fine!
• If you haven’t gone in the last six months, schedule a holiday dental checkup and cleaning to give your smile an extra protective boost.
• If your smile is already discolored, consider professional teeth whitening treatments to reverse the effects of red wine stains.

About the Practice

Our team here at Fairfax Dental Group has served the dental needs of patients and families in Fairfax and the nearby communities for several years under the leadership of Dr. Marjun Ayati, Dr. Brenda J. Young, and Dr. Lana Masti. We offer a variety of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatment options, including teeth whitening, to help your smile shine its brightest for all of your holiday photos and gatherings! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (703) 560-6301.