How to Prevent Red Wine from Staining Your Smile

With the holiday season here, there’s no shortage of celebrations to attend.  But although each soiree may look a little different, many will have some similarities, especially when it comes to the menu. If you’re planning on indulging in a glass or two of red wine this winter, you may be worried about it leaving behind discoloration on your teeth. But don’t despair! Here are a few useful tips and tricks to help prevent stains on your smile so you can show off that gorgeous grin in all your festive family photos!

Why Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?

Red wine doesn’t just deposit color on your teeth because it’s dark. In fact, there are three reasons why your smile may be more likely to become stained when you drink it. First, it contains anthocyanins, a pigment found in grapes. It’s also loaded with tannins, which cause these pigments to stick to your teeth, and acid, which can damage your enamel and make it easier for the pigments to enter its pores.

How Can I Prevent Red Wine Stains on My Teeth?

Reducing your risk of developing dental discoloration from red wine is easy when you try the following tips and tricks:

• Be sure to brush your teeth 30 minutes or more prior to drinking, but not immediately after. Brushing too soon after consuming acidic foods and beverages can increase their risk of damage because the acid softens the enamel and it can become permanently scratched by your toothbrush.

• Never drink white wine before red, as the extra acid in white varieties can make red wine stains more intense.
• Alternate your wine with sips of water, or swish water around when you’re done. This not only rinses your teeth, but it also stimulates saliva flow and helps maintain the proper pH in your mouth.
• Be sure to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best.

How Can I Remove Wine Stains?

For otherwise healthy teeth that already have some set-in wine or other stains, your dentist offers professional whitening to keep your smile looking its best. These take-home kits come with custom trays that can be reused for touch ups as needed, and you can expect to eliminate up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks!

Remember, you don’t need to give up your glass of red wine this winter to keep your teeth looking their best. Try these smile-saving tips or speak to your dentist today about the benefits of professional whitening, and you’ll have a dazzling grin all season long!

About Dr. Walker

Dr. Zack Walker earned his undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University and his dental doctorate at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He especially enjoys helping patients customize their smiles with cosmetic dentistry treatments like professional whitening. If you’d like to learn more about how you can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks, schedule a consultation for whitening today by visiting our website or calling 336-993-3727.