The holidays are near, so delicious treats are beginning to make more and more of an appearance. This means that there are more opportunities to wind down with a glass of wine. Unfortunately, it is no secret that wine is a huge culprit for staining. The good news is that you don’t need to give it up if you want to avoid discoloration. Read on to learn some tips to keep your smile bright and white.
Brush Your Teeth Before
Did you know that red wine clings to the plaque that is stuck on your teeth? By brushing and flossing beforehand, you can remove that plaque and food residue. Ultimately, this will help to minimize your risk of staining. It will also help to reduce your probability of developing cavities and gum disease.
Rinse Your Mouth
To keep wine from lingering on your teeth for a long time, swish some water around your mouth. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep you hydrated when you are enjoying alcoholic drinks, so it is a good habit to get into. You might think that brushing your teeth right away would prevent staining, but it can actually do more harm than good. The acid that is present in wine will weaken your tooth enamel, so brushing immediately afterward can result in additional damage. You should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Enjoy Your Wine with a Meal
Chewing your few stimulates salivary 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, consider having your wine with a high-fiber snack, like celery, carrots, or apple slices.
See Your Dentist
By attending your routine cleanings and checkups, your hygienist will complete your visit by polishing your teeth. This helps to lift away some of the stains on the surface of your teeth. This way, you will leave the dental office with a squeaky-clean smile that looks whiter. If it has been a while since your last cleaning and checkup, now is a great time to schedule your next one.
You don’t have to give up wine for a white smile. By using the tips above, you can keep your smile bright and white over the holidays.
About the Practice
At My Ellicott City Dentist, Dr. Andrew Aziz and Dr. Giatu Bui work together to treat patients in the Ellicott City community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (410) 480-2000.