Does red wine stain teeth? The short answer - yes. Wine stained teeth can be both a short-term and long-term issue. Drinking red wine will often turn your teeth a purple color during the short term. But the long-term effects could permanently stain your teeth. If you're a red wine drinker, you may find yourself dealing with 'wine teeth' or 'wine mouth'. Keep reading for 7 ways to avoid the onset of wine stained teeth as well as some ways to reverse the damage already done by red wine.
How do Wine Stained Teeth Happen?
It's all based on the property of the red wine itself. Anthocyanins are a naturally occurring red pigment found in wine grapes. This pigment is also in the wine you’re drinking, which is one of the reasons why your teeth get stained a purple color. We think it's important to note, wine isn't totally unique in this respect, so don't go swearing off your favorite beverage for good. Many other foods and beverages are known to cause permanent damage to teeth. For example, prolonged coffee drinking and sugary soft drinks can also wear on those pearly whites of yours. Wine's acidity can also contributes to wine teeth. Red wine is not as acidic as white wine, but there is still some present. This acidity breaks down the enamel (the white part) of your teeth, and exposes the yellowish parts of your teeth. But, there is no need to worry. We have some ways to help avoid wine teeth stains before, during, and after consuming your favorite red wine.
How to Avoid Red Wine Teeth Stains
Here are some ways to help stop the short-term effects.
1. Brush Your Teeth
We hope you do this no matter what. However, a good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth 30 min BEFORE you start to drink red wine. Throughout the day, plaque can build up on your teeth. The plaque can cause the wine to “stick” to your teeth. This will mean the teeth are in contact with the wine for longer. Which can lead to deeper stains on the teeth. Note: Do not brush your teeth RIGHT after drinking wine. Wine is acidic, which can cause enamel to be removed from your teeth. Toothpaste is also acidic and may do more bad than good. Instead wait around 30 min after drinking wine to brush your teeth.
2. Drink Water
Having a glass of water between glasses of wine can help in more ways than one! Having a glass of water can help suppress wine headaches, but they can also help with wine teeth. Drinking a glass of water or simply swirling it around in your mouth can clean out some of the acidity from the wine. The water also helps with saliva production, which cleanses your mouth of the wine as well. You can use regular water or sparkling water – whichever you prefer!
3. Add in Some Food
Wine and cheese already go together great! But did you know that eating cheese with your wine can help prevent wine teeth? Eating while enjoying a nice glass of red vino is great at preventing wine teeth stains. While you eat your mouth will naturally produce saliva. The saliva will break down the wine in your mouth. This means that there will be less time for wine to stain since there would be that constant saliva production.
4. Wine Wipes
A super simple solution to short term wine teeth is using wine wipes. These wipes help remove red wine stains from your teeth right away. They have a fresh taste and can help get rid of the first onset of stains. They are also great for those who are on the go. Just slip a couple of them into your bag and you’re ready to rock!
How to Get Rid of Wine Teeth
What about if you have stains already set on your teeth? No matter how much you've tried to whiten your teeth, nothing seems to work. Note: Do not do these methods more than 3 times a week. Overuse of these methods may erode your tooth enamel.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda has great natural whitening properties! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of water. Mix this together and then brush your teeth with the paste. You can do this a couple of times a week to help remove those stubborn teeth stains as well as remove any new ones that may have come up. Maybe you don’t want to brush with just baking soda – try a toothpaste with baking soda. These are just like normal toothpaste but are often better at whitening teeth.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Similar to baking soda, hydrogen peroxide has great whitening capabilities. There are a couple of ways you can do this. The first one is you can try switching the hydrogen peroxide in your mouth like mouthwash BEFORE you brush your teeth. Another way to use hydrogen peroxide would be to make a paste with baking soda. You’ll need 2 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Then gently brush the mixture onto your teeth. Make sure the hydrogen peroxide you are using is 1.5% or 3%.
3. Dental Visits
Leave it to the professionals! Dentists have the tools and knowledge to help remove those stuck on wine teeth stains.
What About White Wine?
If red wine stains your teeth, then does white wine remove the stains? While we really do wish this was the case – it isn’t. White wine may not cause stains, but it can play a part. White wine is very acidic. This acidity from the white vino can remove the shiny white part of your teeth – enamel. When the enamel has been eroded away, what is left is the yellowish more sensitive parts of your teeth.
So Should I Stop Drinking Wine?
We almost just spit out our wine at the thought. Whatever you do, not let this knowledge stop you from enjoying a nice glass of wine (or two!) Many foods and drinks can cause teeth stains. Removing them from your diet completely isn't necessarily the solution, but rather, mindful management can help lessen their effects over time.
