National Wine Day is on May 25th, and it’s a great reason to enjoy a glass of wine (or two, we won’t tell)! However, we know that wine is one of the most common causes of tooth staining along with coffee and other dark foods and beverages.
Drinking wine won’t hurt your teeth, but it can stain them and make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Here are a few tips to keep your smile bright and avoid purple-tinted teeth:
Seeing a dentist for six-month oral exams and teeth cleanings will ensure that your teeth are free of plaque and tartar. Your teeth will be buffed and polished, which can help remove minor stains and discoloration.
White wine is free of the tannins and pigments that can stain your teeth, so think about switching to Riesling or pinot grigio
Since wine is acidic, it’s actually not a great idea to brush right after drinking it. Brushing immediately after drinking wine can cause premature wear to the teeth. Instead, brush your teeth before you drink. This will help remove plaque and prevent stains.
Drinking a glass of water or gargling with a bit of mouthwash can help prevent wine from lingering on your teeth.
High-fiber foods help your mouth produce more saliva and “scrub” wine away from your teeth. Pair your wine with a salad and minimize your risk of a stained smile!
If your teeth have become stained due to a wine, coffee, or tea habit, don’t despair! You have options. Teeth whitening from Priti Naik, DDS is an ideal way to reverse and remove wine stains. We offer both in-office and take-home kits. When the powerful peroxide is applied to your teeth, it breaks up the chemical bonds that hold the stains onto your enamel and bleaches them away.
If you have very dark or severe wine stains, or your teeth are stained due to tobacco use, veneers may be a better option. Porcelain veneers can be used to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth and replace them with a bright, white, completely non-stainable surface that permanently restores your smile!
If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry in Vienna and Tysons Corner, Priti Naik, DDS is where you want to be. We have years of experience treating teeth stains with whitening and veneers. Come in for a consultation today and see what treatment may be right for you. We hope to see you soon!