Reno Dentists Advise How to Avoid Wine Stains on Teeth

The holiday season is a time of celebration. For many, part of that celebration involves drinking a delicious glass or two of red wine. However, red wine has the unfortunate side effect of staining teeth. Your Reno dentists offer these tips to ensure that your teeth do not end up colored with the festive hues of the season.

Crunchy Veggies and Cheese

Nothing goes better with wine than cheese. Luckily, cheese can act as a natural barrier to the tannins in red wine that are notorious for staining teeth. Cheese is loaded with calcium, which can prevent discoloration when it is coated on the teeth. Hard cheese works better than softer cheese for this purpose. If you’re in a more healthful mood, munching on goodies from the veggie tray will also help. Common veggie tray staples like broccoli and cauliflower contain lots of fiber, and fiber will actually clean your teeth naturally. The fact that the veggies are also good for you is just a bonus.

Lip Gloss and Teeth Whitening

Anyone who wears lipstick on a regular basis knows that much of it will end up on the rim of whatever glass she is drinking out of. Wearing lip gloss instead might be a better idea. Since gloss is oil-based, it will provide protection from the tannins in the wine as well. Using a tooth whitening pen is another possibility. The peroxide should remove any stains in minutes. However, a word of warning–peroxide will temporarily make your teeth even more vulnerable to staining, so be sure not to drink any more red wine for a while after application.

Don’t Brush

It might seem odd to see a dentist advising against brushing your teeth, but if you have just finished drinking wine, brushing at that moment would be a very bad idea. The brush fibers have to be harsh to remove plaque, and the tooth enamel is usually more than strong enough to take it. However, the acidity in wine can soften it briefly, to the point where brushing might actually cause damage if done too soon after drinking. Make no mistake, brushing is vital to good oral health, but it’s best to wait a while after drinking wine.

Whether you drink wine or not, it’s a good idea to talk to us to find out how to keep your smile white and bright, through the holidays and all year round. To arrange an appointment, feel free to contact our Reno dentist office at 775-829-7700. We are proud to provide comprehensive dentistry to patients in the 89502 zip code, and surrounding neighborhoods.

About The Author

Dr. Brian Evans

Dr. Brian Evans, the current owner of Wager Evans Dental, initially worked as a CPA before transitioning to dentistry to make a greater impact on people's lives. He joined his father-in-law to expand a three-decade-long legacy in the northern Nevada community, eventually taking over the practice. Dr. Evans prioritizes a comfortable environment for his patients and stays at the forefront of dental technology and medical techniques through continuous education and advanced training, focusing on oral and systemic health.

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