The holiday season is full of celebrations, family gatherings, and festive meals—and for many people, that includes the occasional glass of red wine. While red wine is certainly a holiday favorite and pairs well with numerous dishes enjoyed this time of year, it’s also one of the most common culprits behind tooth discoloration. But understanding how red wine stains teeth and how to protect your teeth can help you enjoy the holiday season with a sparkling white smile on your face; here’s what you need to know.
How Does Red Wine Stain Teeth?
Red wine contains deep-colored pigments called anthocyanins, which easily cling to tooth enamel and cause staining; these same pigments are what give the grapes used in the wine-making process their rich, purplish color. Wine also contains compounds called tannins, which help these colored pigments bind to your teeth. And thirdly, wine is also highly acidic, meaning it can make your enamel more porous, thus capturing more of these staining pigments.
When these three factors combine, stains can form very quickly—especially if wine is enjoyed frequently during the holidays.
Tips to Keep Your Smile Bright This Season
The good news is, you don’t have to skip your favorite holiday beverages—like red wine—to protect your smile over the holidays and keep it sparkling white. Here are some simple tips and habits you can follow that will make a big difference:
- Rinse with water after drinking red wine to wash away pigments and acids. You can also alternate between glasses of wine and glasses of water.
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking, since your softened enamel will be vulnerable. Instead, wait about 30 minutes, but don’t forget to brush before bed!
- Eat crunchy and naturally fibrous foods with your meals and wine, like apples, celery, carrots, and other similar items, which can naturally help clean your teeth.
- Maintain a strong oral care routine during the holidays, no matter how busy you get or if you’re traveling. If you haven’t been in the last six months, try to schedule a routine dental checkup.
If holiday indulgences leave your smile looking a little less bright than usual, you can also ask your dentist about teeth whitening to undo the effects of red wine staining. That said, it’s still wise to prevent it if at all possible by making wise choices.
About the Practice
Our team here at JMG Dentistry serves the needs of patients in Novi, MI, and the surrounding area, offering a wide range of services, including cosmetic solutions like teeth whitening. We’re fortunate to have Dr. Justin Geller leading our team; with over 30 years of experience, you’ll find no better expert for helping you achieve your smile goals. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (248) 926-4030.