From offering a robust flavor to providing cardiovascular health benefits, there are many reasons to enjoy a glass of wine. But when it comes to protecting your smile, this alcoholic beverage may not always be the best choice. Containing tannins and other pigments, both white and red wine are known to stain the tooth’s enamel surface. While professional teeth whitening from a dentist can help lift these stains, there are also a few other ways you can prevent dental discoloration from happening. To help you enjoy wine and maintain a bright smile, here are a few strategies to try.  

5 Tips for Preventing Wine Stains on Teeth

1. Brush Before

Brushing your teeth after you drink wine won’t help remove stains. In fact, it can intensify the drink’s acidic properties, which can strip enamel and leave you more susceptible to discoloration. Instead, it’s better to brush and floss before you indulge. This oral hygiene technique will help remove pigment-trapping plaque.  

2. Don’t Drink White Before Red

White wine is more acidic than red varietals. If you drink a white wine first, the acidity will strip your enamel and leave it more vulnerable to the staining pigments found in reds. If you want to minimize discoloration, skip the white altogether, or avoid drinking it first.

3. Pair With a Snack

Many foods can help reduce the staining effects of wine if you snack while you sip. For example, cheese offers a unique texture that can help scrub stains off of enamel. Chewing on high-fiber foods, such as kale, spinach, almonds, and broccoli, can also promote saliva production. This can help neutralize acids in wine and reduce the staining effect.

4. Rinse With Water

Sipping on a glass of water along with your wine will help flush away staining agents to keep your smile bright. Staying hydrated can also prevent dry mouth, which is a problem that can intensify discoloration.

5. Avoid At-Home Teeth Whitening Solutions

If drinking wine does stain your smile, be cautious of using at-home teeth whitening products. While these products can lift stains, they can also strip enamel and leave you more vulnerable to discoloration the next time you consume wine. These solutions also tend to increase the risk of temporary dental sensitivity. For safer and more effective results, visit a dentist for a professional teeth whitening treatment.

When you want to enhance the appearance of your teeth, turn to James Julien, DDS. Providing comprehensive dental care in Kenai, AK, Dr. Julien is a trusted resource for gentle, yet powerful teeth whitening treatments. Using the Opalescence™ system, this dentist will carefully lift stains to provide long-lasting results and minimize sensitivity. If you need a more in-depth smile makeover, this clinic also offers many other cosmetic dentistry solutions, including dental implants, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign®. To learn more about these services, visit this family dentist online. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, call (907) 283-4857.