The holiday season is just getting started, so you are likely beginning to enjoy more treats than you would on a regular basis. A beverage that many like to enjoy when the weather gets colder is a glass of red wine. However, it isn’t a secret that this delicious beverage can stain your smile. Fortunately, you don’t need to give up red wine to avoid discoloration. Here are some tips that can help you keep your pearly whites in good shape.
Brush Your Teeth Beforehand
Did you know that red wine can cling to the plaque stuck to your teeth? If you brush and floss before you pour yourself a glass of wine, you will be removing the plaque and food residue. Ultimately, this will help to minimize your risk of staining. It will also help to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Rinse Your Mouth
To keep red wine from lingering on your teeth for a long time, swish some water around your mouth. Drinking plenty of water will also help to keep you hydrated when you are consuming alcohol, so it is a great habit to get into. You might think that brushing immediately after drinking wine will help to prevent staining, but this isn’t the best idea. The acid that’s present in wine will weaken your tooth enamel, so brushing immediately after can cause additional damage. This is why you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Enjoy Wine with a Meal
When you eat, food stimulates saliva production. This helps to reduce the effects of acid in wine and restore minerals to different areas of the teeth. When the saliva rinses away and dilutes the acid in your mouth, you are less likely to experience staining. Even if it isn’t mealtime, you may want to consider having a fibrous snack, like celery, carrots, or apple slices.
Visit Your Dentist
When you attend regular cleanings and checkups, your hygienist will complete your visit by polishing your pearly whites. This helps to lift some of those stains on the surface of your teeth. That’s why you always leave the dental office with a squeaky-clean smile that initially appears whiter. If it has been a while since your last cleaning and checkup, now would be a great time to schedule your next appointment.
You don’t need to give up your glass of red wine to prevent staining. By using the tips listed above, you can keep your teeth in beautiful shape while enjoying the holiday season!
About the Author
Dr. Robert A. Camenzuli earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. Currently, he is a proud Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more ways to keep your smile in good shape or to schedule a consultation at his office in New Orleans, visit his website or call (504) 584-4225.