Are you a big red wine drinker and can’t help but worry about getting stained teeth? Enjoying a few glasses of delicious Cabernet Sauvignon without fear is something we all dream of. Don’t worry, because with these tips, your pearly whites will stay as beautiful and perfect as ever! Keep reading to find out how to prevent red wine from staining your teeth.
Why do we sometimes get stains on our teeth after drinking red wine?
It all happens at the molecular level. Red wine contains chromogens, which are natural substances containing nitrogen and carbon. These substances usually become pigments when exposed to oxygen (which is why red wine often looks darker when oxidized). The chromogens in red wine bind to tooth enamel and color the surface. Although they tend to fade over time, they can remain on your teeth unless removed by professional dental cleaning or other treatments. If you want to prevent this type of discoloration, try one of these 7 tips, you will see for yourself the difference!
Rinse your mouth with water.
Red wine can be a beautiful and delicious part of any evening, but it comes at a price. Many people already know that the vibrant color of red wine is not cut to the teeth, leaving an embarrassing stain if you don’t take the right precautions. A simple and easy solution to this problem is to rinse your mouth with water after each drink. Try swirling cold water in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before swallowing or spitting it out. This helps remove any droplets of wine on or between your teeth before they dry out and cause stains. This not only keeps your teeth pristine white, but also keeps your breath fresh during social gatherings!
Brush your teeth immediately after drinking.
As soon as you finish drinking red wine, remove any residue by brushing your teeth with a mild toothpaste like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to brush your teeth gently to avoid damaging the enamel and avoid abrasive toothpastes which can further contribute to enamel discoloration and erosion.
Eat cheese while drinking wine.
Eating cheese while drinking red wine helps coat the surface of your teeth, providing an extra layer of protection against stains caused by wine tannins. It’s important to note that this won’t necessarily prevent stains from forming, but it can slow the process down and make it less noticeable.
Use whitening strips regularly.
Whitening strips are one of the most effective ways to lighten teeth stained by drinking red wine over time; use the whitening strips regularly for best results (at least once a week). The strips oxidize the particles that have stained the teeth, making them easier to remove with regular brushing or whitening treatments.
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables and fruits like apples or celery facilitate the production of saliva which, in turn, helps to clean food residues that cause stains, as well as being beneficial for overall dental health; moreover, it is also excellent for the health of the body in general!
Rub your teeth with sugar.
Firmly rub the bristles of your toothbrush over a teaspoon of white granulated sugar. This simple solution coats the teeth with a protective layer that prevents red wine from seeping into their surface, leaving them sparkling. Although this method is not as effective as more traditional whitening techniques, it is still a great way to maintain beautiful teeth after frequently consuming a glass or two of red wine!
Strawberries give the same result too!
Strawberries are naturally full of alpha hydroxy acids, which can help lighten the color of your pearly whites naturally without harsh chemicals. Just rub a strawberry on your front teeth! Take one and opt for this natural method to maintain a bright and beautiful smile, while enjoying your favorite drink!
