Red Wine & Teeth: Staining Explained | Bondi Dentists (2024)

Red wine is a staple many people drink to unwind at the end of the day or enjoy drinking it at social gatherings such as parties, dinners, and special events. Among avid wine drinkers, red wine is themost popularevencompared to white or rosé wine.

The much-loved alcoholic beverage is a beautiful deep red that leaves many wondering if drinking it will stain teeth. If you are curious to know whether or not it will stain your teeth, keep reading.

Will Drinking Red Wine Stain Teeth?

The taste of red wine, the benefits, and relaxation it offers are reasons many people like to drink it on a regular basis. Still, the attractive color is something that can also leave people wondering if it will have a bad effect on teeth.

It is true that red wine can damage your teeth and cause discolouration. At first, you will notice the soft red to purple hue on your teeth.

Over time, the color of your teeth may change and appear more blue, grey, or brown.The change in colour takes placedue to the tannins, natural dyes, and acids within red wine.

Tips to Keep Your Teeth Stain-Free

If you want to keep your pearly whites as you sip on red wine, there are a few tips you can do to ensure you will not experience staining. Most people may think to grab the toothbrush after drinking, but it’s actually better to do it before.

This is because you risk damaging your tooth enamel if you brush afterward: this is from the acidity in our food and drink. Brushing straightaway after acidic food and drinks such as wine would likely rub the acid into the teeth.Many people are not aware our enamel is morevulnerableafter a meal or beverage.

Brushing your teeth beforehand minimises chances of staining and lowers the risk of tooth decay and gum disease in the future if you are a regular drinker. You will have the best oral health when youworkwith a dentistfor professional cleaning and general care.

Another good idea is to eat as you drink alcohol. Eating foods like cheese and crackers serve as a barrier to protect the teeth from the acidic content of alcohol.

Once you finish drinking you should always give your mouth a quick rinse.A very thorough mouth rinse with water after a meal would be more advisable than immediate brushing for neutralising the acidity and prevention of stains.This helps prevent the red wine from sticking behind. If you do want to brush your teeth afterward, wait at least 30 minutes to prevent possible damage to the enamel.

Thetype of toothpasteyou choose is also important. You want to use one capable of removing stains and protecting your enamel.However, you should avoid the use of abrasive content such as baking soda / bicarbonate in daily toothpastesas they leave your teeth vulnerable. Also important to note is to avoid tooth whitening products immediately after consumption of food and drink, particularly the acidic types.

Can you guess why? It has to do with enamel again.Things like whitening strips or gels remove the stains on our teeth bit by bit, but it can also cause significant sensitivity. Harsh abrasives like bicarbonate and salt or charcoal can rub the enamel and scratch the surface, with long term use leading to worn or lost enamel surfaces.

Enjoy Your Wine

If you are uncertain if drinking wine will stain teeth, you should understand the chances are rare when you maintain good oral health. You can drink the delicious red nectar from the gods whenever you want without worry when you follow these tips.

You can have an amazing set of teeth that remains pristine when you follow-up and meet with a dentist often.Contact usto book an appointment and get the service you need to maintain the best oral health and white teeth.

Red Wine & Teeth: Staining Explained | Bondi Dentists (2024)

FAQs

How does red wine stain teeth? ›

Red wine is acidic, and this acidity etches your enamel, making it more porous, and making it easier for the stain to stick, Akosa says. White wine is acidic, too — even more acidic than red, in fact — but it doesn't stain your teeth, because ... it's white. But not all teeth are the same.

Why does red wine stain my teeth more than other people? ›

This discoloration happens because red wine contains acids, tannin, and natural dyes, all of which can leave the teeth etched and stained. Fortunately, you can do several things to care for your teeth and prevent stains from occurring. Food particles that cling to teeth can be absorbent.

How to drink red wine without staining your teeth? ›

Thanks to these 8 tips on how to drink red wine without staining your teeth or lips, you can have your wine and beautiful smile too!
  1. Brush Before — Not After. ...
  2. Start with Red. ...
  3. Drink Sparkling Water or Seltzer Between Glasses. ...
  4. Use Chapstick or Lip Gloss. ...
  5. Eat Cheese. ...
  6. Eat Plenty of Fiber. ...
  7. Chew Gum. ...
  8. Use Wine Wipes.
Feb 7, 2020

Does red wine stain porcelain teeth? ›

Porcelain veneers don't stain the same way that natural teeth do. That's because unlike the enamel that makes up natural teeth, porcelain is non-porous. That means it doesn't absorb coffee, wine, and other common stain-causing foods and drinks.

How bad is red wine for your teeth? ›

But red wine is also acidic, so it can wear down your tooth enamel — causing sensitivity and increasing your risk of tooth decay. The deep color and tannins in red wine can also trigger migraines and stain your teeth a shade of purple.

Does red wine stain enamel? ›

Coffee, tea, juices, wines and cola-based soft drinks are potential dark or coloring beverages, which could stain or discolor the bleached enamel surface. Some of them are acidic solutions that can increase the demineralization, while others contain ethanol and/or pigments.

Is there a red wine that doesn't stain teeth? ›

Stay away from "big reds that stain"

Because the tannin, i.e. the substance found in grape skin, in fact is reponsible for discolouring your teeth. Choosing a light and fruity wine, such as a Loire or Beaujolais Gamay or a Burgundy Pinot Noir is therefore a safe bet.

Should you brush your teeth after red wine? ›

Your enamel protects the teeth, but it becomes a lot softer when you've had something acidic. So when you want to brush teeth after having something acidic like red wine, you should actually take glass of water, rinse the mouth, and wait for between 30 to 60 minutes before attempting to brush your teeth.

Does expensive wine stain your teeth? ›

Yes, wine, especially red wine, can stain your teeth. The culprits behind these stains are the tannins found in wine, which are natural compounds that give red wine its rich flavor and color.

Does drinking red wine through a straw better for your teeth? ›

Another benefit of drinking through a straw is that it can help to prevent staining. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, the color can stain your teeth over time. However, if you drink through a straw, the liquid will bypass your teeth and will not have a chance to stain them.

Why do my teeth go black when I drink red wine? ›

Yes, drinking red wine does cause your teeth to become stained. The tannins in red wine can adhere to your teeth and cause staining. If you drink red wine regularly, you may notice that your teeth become progressively more stained over time.

What alcohol does not stain teeth? ›

Clear drinks like vodka water might be your best bet for teeth-friendly summer co*cktails. Gin is also one of the least acidic liquors.

Why do my teeth stain so easily with red wine? ›

Strong pigments in red wine are instant stain-makers for porous surfaces like your teeth,” says New York–based dentist Dr. Lana Rozenberg. “These pigments, called chromogens, give it that deep, intense hue, and leave their mark on your teeth after just a few sips.” Dr. Marc D.

What removes red wine stains from teeth? ›

Just rinse your mouth with an enamel strengthening mouthwash like Crest 3D White Diamond Strong. Its gentle foaming action safely whitens by removing surface stains while also strengthening weakened enamel for a brighter, more resilient smile. Another trick to consider is adding a whitening pen to the mix.

Can I drink red wine with porcelain veneers? ›

Alcohol, especially red wine, can temporarily stain teeth, including veneers. Fortunately, the staining is usually superficial and can be easily managed with proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups can help keep your veneers pristine.

Does toothpaste remove red wine stains? ›

An alternative method is instead the toothpaste, effective on dry stains. Apply it on the wine stains and let it act before washing. On colored fabrics, be careful not to use the whitening toothpaste that may discolour the garment.

How to remove red stains from teeth? ›

How To Remove Stains From Teeth? – 10 Simple Ways
  1. Use whitening toothpaste. Does that sound prosaic to you? ...
  2. Use baking soda. Take a couple of large spoons of baking soda. ...
  3. Apply activated charcoal. ...
  4. Apply hydrogen peroxide. ...
  5. Rub with fruit peel. ...
  6. Consume a better diet. ...
  7. Tooth whitening strips. ...
  8. Eat fruits.
Feb 27, 2022

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