Now that the holidays are approaching, delicious treats are starting 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’s 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. Continue reading to learn some helpful. Tips to keep your smile bright and white!
Brush Your Teeth Beforehand
Did you know that red wine can cling to the plaque that’s 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 risk of 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 consuming alcoholic beverages, so it’s a good habit to get into. You may think that brushing your teeth right away would prevent staining, but it can do more harm than good. The acid that’s present in wine will weaken your tooth enamel, so brushing immediately afterward can cause additional damage. You should wait at least 30 minutes before you brush 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 snack that has lots of fiber, like celery, carrots, or apple slices.
See Your Dentist
By attending your regular cleanings and checkups, your hygienist will complete your visit by polishing your pearly whites. This helps to lift away some of the stains on the surface of your teeth. This way, you always leave the dental office with a squeaky-clean smile that appears whiter. If it has been a while since your last cleaning and checkup, now would be an excellent time to schedule your next appointment.
You don’t need to give up wine to prevent discoloration. By using the steps listed above, you can maintain a beautiful smile throughout the holiday season!
About the Author
At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Shue Her and Dr. Michael Pennington work together to treat patients in the Gainesville 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 (770) 536-6688.