For many, there’s hardly a better pairing than holiday gatherings and a cozy glass of red wine. But with good wine comes the risk of a stained smile, especially if you’re not paying attention during the reverie. Thankfully, you don’t have to give up your Merlot to keep your smile glistening in the snow. With a few simple tricks, you can enjoy your wine without worrying about tooth stains at all.
How Does Wine Stain?
To get why these prevention strategies work, it’s a good idea to learn how wine stains your teeth in the first place. Red wine contains three main stain-causing elements: acids, tannins, and chromogens.
Acids soften your enamel, making it more porous so pigments can penetrate. Tannins are like glue, helping chromogens (dark pigments) adhere to the surface of your smile. This is why you may have noticed a purple or gray tint on your teeth after just a few sips!
Brush Before You Drink
It may sound counterintuitive, but brushing at least 30 minutes before drinking red wine can help keep your teeth fortified against discoloration. When plaque builds up, it forms a surface for stains to stick to. Cleaning your teeth with fluoride toothpaste ahead of time eliminates plaque and strengthens your enamel, so acids are less effective.
Rinse with Water
One of the easiest ways to reduce staining is to drink water alongside your wine. Simply swish or take a sip of water every few minutes to rinse away leftover pigments. It’s a simple trick that also helps keep your mouth from drying out, which can speed up the discoloration process.
Eat at the Same Time
It’s best to never let wine stand on its own if you’re trying to keep your teeth looking snowy white. Cheese, veggies, and other snacks can help keep your teeth protected just by being there. Crunchy foods like carrots, celery, and apples clean teeth as you chew, and dairy products can counteract the acidity of the wine. So, enjoy any holiday charcuterie board you see guilt-free.
Use a Straw
One of the strongest strategies for managing wine stains is also one of the easiest—just use a straw! Sipping through one of these decreases the contact between your teeth and the liquid, making it harder to stain. Snag some reusable silicone straws at the store, and you’ll be able to enjoy your wine any time.
With a few smart choices and a couple of tricks, you can defend your smile against tooth stains all season long. Of course, if you need a little help from your dentist, they can always pencil you in. So, raise your glass, relax, and let your smile shine.
About the Practice
At Anderson Dental, Dr. Karl Anderson and Dr. Austin McCullough take pride in their personalized, patient-centered dentistry. Whether you’re whitening wine stains or looking for long-term dental care, their team is committed to providing comfortable, trustworthy treatment for families through the holidays and beyond. Call (605) 721-1219 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with us or visit our website to see a full menu of services.