If you enjoy having a glass of red wine regularly, you may have noticed the unsightly stains it can leave behind. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks you can add to your routine to minimize discoloration. In addition to visiting your dentist regularly, here are a few ways to beat stains caused by your favorite vino.

4 Tips for Preventing Red Wine Stains

1. Drink Sparkling Water

The next time you order a glass of your favorite red wine, be sure to ask for some sparkling water, too. The drink acts as a rinsing agent, helping wash away the stain-causing acids that are known for staining teeth. As an added bonus, this trick will also help you stay hydrated when drinking alcohol.

2. Pair It With Cheese

Wine and cheese are served together because their flavors complement each other so well, but it turns out cheese can also prevent some of the beverage’s staining effects. Not only is cheese rich in calcium, which strengthens teeth, but it also has a waxy consistency that seals the teeth’s pores against wine.

3. Time Your Brushing

Brushing after you’ve had wine might seem like a good idea, but it’s best to wait a little while before cleaning your teeth. Otherwise, you could allow the wine’s acids to penetrate the teeth’s pores, damaging the enamel and requiring you to visit the dentist. Instead, safeguard your teeth by brushing an hour before.

4. Try It Through a Straw

Drinking wine through a straw might feel a little silly, but if it means maintaining a bright smile, it could be worth it. Some wine aficionados prefer using this tactic while enjoying a glass at home and saving traditional sips for when they’re out in a crowd. The less contact the wine has on the teeth, the better protection you have against staining.

Whether you’re seeking a brighter smile or are simply due for a cleaning, Ronald W. Ristow DDS has all of your dental needs covered. As a trusted dentist in Oconto County, WI, Dr. Ristow offers a broad range of general, cosmetic, and emergency dental solutions to fit the needs of all of his patients. Learn more about the dentist’s options for achieving a glowing smile on their website, or call (920) 846-3163 to schedule an appointment.