Looking your best at a holiday party ideally doesn’t include a smile that sports a row of crimson-red teeth. But after drinking a small glass of red wine, you may find it a fate that’s hard to avoid. What causes those annoying red wine teeth stains, and is it possible to minimize the discoloration? Read on to learn about the cause and some ways you can keep your pearly whites looking spectacular.
The Causes of Red Wine Teeth Stains
While it’s clear that drinking red wine stains your teeth, it’s not simply one part of the wine that causes it. There are actually a few different pieces to the puzzle, each one contributing to the dark stains.
#1. Chromogens
Chromogens are the name for substances that can be easily converted into dyes. Essentially, they are intensely pigmented and will stick to your teeth as you drink the wine. They combine with other natural substances in your wine and react – causing discoloration.
#2. Tannins
When you hear the word “stain,” you don’t just think of discoloration; it also tends to be something that’s hard to remove. In the case of red wine teeth, this is by way of tannin. While the chromogens produce the intense color, tannins help them stick to your teeth. Red wine is rich in both chromogen and tannins. So, when your teeth become stained, those stains can be harder to remove than other debris on your teeth.
#3. Acids
Tannins aren’t the only reason the stains stick around. Any acidic food or drink attacks the enamel on your teeth. This weakens it and leaves behind eroded patches of enamel where your teeth are more likely to stain.
Smooth surfaces are harder to latch onto. When the acid wears away at the enamel, it helps the tannins and chromogens stay in place. This concept is similar to the idea used when applying veneers, which require your dentist to etch your teeth.
White wine is more acidic than red wine. While it doesn’t contain the same chromogens that cause such intense discoloration, the extra acid can expose more dentin in your teeth, which has a yellow shade to it.
Other Foods That Discolor Your Teeth
There are plenty of other foods out there that can stain your teeth. In fact, while red wine teeth are a common concern, drinks like coffee or dark tea leave behind much more intense stains. Here are some other potential foods or drinks to avoid if you’re worried about teeth stains:
- Grape juice
- Tea
- Coffee
- Soda
- Tomato juice and sauce
- Blueberries and blackberries
- Candy and frozen treats
Tips to Avoid Staining Your Teeth
Avoid Dark-Colored Foods
If your goal is to avoid stains at all costs, you could simply avoid foods that cause them. In most cases, the offending foods are easy to spot. In addition to the list above, natural foods with intense coloring and those with artificial coloring will be the most likely foods to cause stains.
You don’t have to avoid them altogether. Practice moderation and you won’t need to worry about serious stains.
Try eating these foods that are healthy for your teeth and gums instead!
Use a Straw
The efficacy of straws in fighting cavities is debatable. However, they do allow staining fluids to bypass the front of your teeth. Optimally using a straw, unfortunately, requires small sips at the far back of your tongue. Otherwise, the fluid tends to fill your mouth anyway.
Straws aren’t a perfect solution, but they can help if you’re a frequent soda or juice drinker.
Finish Drinks Quickly Instead of Sipping Over Time
Absent-mindedly sipping a drink is common. Whether you’re watching TV, having casual conversation or just trying to savor the flavor, it seems harmless enough. However, when you sip acidic or sugary drinks, you increase the exposure to your teeth and introduce yourself to greater risk.
The faster you finish a drink that’s harmful or staining to your teeth, the quicker your saliva or a follow-up glass of water will be able to wash away the remnants.
Rinse with Water After Eating or Drinking
You love blueberries but hate blue teeth. That’s understandable. You don’t have to give them up! After you eat a food that’s likely to leave a stain, give your mouth a quick rinse. The sooner you rinse, the more discoloration you can wash away.
Brushing is another matter. It’s generally safe to rinse, but be careful about brushing immediately after enjoying an acidic beverage or food. Enamel is weakened by the acid and vulnerable to the abrasive brushing. You could actually make things worse. Stick to rinsing until about an hour after having anything acidic.
Teeth Whitening Options Can Help Chronic Stains!
Enamel is very strong, but it’s also porous. Every time you a staining pigment enters your mouth, some of it sneaks into those pores. This is one part of why your teeth gradually darken over time.
Professional teeth whitening is one of the best solutions to restore your teeth’s nature luster. If you’re concerned about the look of your teeth, Pointe Dental Group in Shelby Township and Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan can help you with our cosmetic dentistry services! Contact us to schedule an appointment!
Need Help Restoring Your Stained Teeth?
Pointe Dental Group can provide you with a complete examination, answer your questions, and discuss your treatment options. Schedule an appointment with us today! New patients can receive FREE comprehensive exam and consultation, plus a full panoramic x-ray with a paid cleaning procedure (a $200 value)!
Grosse Pointe Farms: (313) 881-2480
Shelby Township: (586) 803-8300
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