Red wine is a popular beverage that is consumed all over the world. People love the rich and complex flavors of red wines, but it can also cause major dental problems like teeth discoloration.
The tannins present in the wine create a slight film over the teeth, which leads to the appearance of stains over time. Constant consumption of red wine can lead to yellowish or brownish teeth, which can be unsightly. If you are a red wine lover and want to keep your teeth white, here are 10 tips to help you:.
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
The simplest way to keep your teeth white is by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. This routine helps to remove any plaque, food particles, and bacteria that can cause staining and discoloration.
Flossing helps remove any food that gets trapped between your teeth, which can cause staining. Ensure that you use a whitening toothpaste that helps to remove and prevent stains.
2. Use a Straw When Drinking Red Wine
Sipping through a straw helps to limit the contact between the teeth and the wine. This reduces the chances of staining and discoloration. When using a straw, ensure that it reaches the back of your mouth, so that the drink bypasses your front teeth.
3. Rinse Your Mouth after Drinking Red Wine
After drinking red wine, rinse your mouth with water. This helps to wash off any lingering wine in your mouth. Also, swishing your mouth with water for 30 seconds before brushing can help remove any existing stains.
4. Limit Your Wine Consumption
This may be the hardest tip to implement if you are a wine lover. Limiting your wine consumption reduces the amount of time the wine has to stain your teeth. Try to drink wine in moderation, and avoid drinking before bedtime.
This gives your mouth a chance to produce more saliva, which helps to naturally cleanse your teeth.
5. Use a Whitening Mouthwash
A whitening mouthwash is a great way to maintain your white teeth. By using it twice a day, it helps to remove any stains, and prevent any future discoloration. This type of mouthwash works best when used right after brushing.
6. Chew Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum helps to stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps to wash away any food particles and bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to staining.
Also, chewing gum helps to reduce the acidity levels in your mouth, which can help combat discoloration.
7. Eat Crunchy Foods
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery helps to remove any plaque and stains from your teeth. These types of foods also increase saliva production in your mouth, which helps wash away any debris that causes discoloration.
8. Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned
Regular dental cleaning helps to remove any staining and discoloration caused by red wine. A dental professional also removes any tartar build-up that is hard to remove at home.
Plus, they can give you tips on how to maintain your teeth white and healthy.
9. Use a Whitening Kit
A whitening kit is a general solution for keeping your teeth white. This type of kit includes trays that you fill with a whitening gel. You then wear these trays for a set amount of time each day for a week or so.
The gel helps to remove any stains and discoloration. It is best to discuss with your dentist to find out the right type of whitening kit that works best for you.
10. Seek Professional Treatment
If you have tried all of the tips above and nothing seems to work, a dental professional like a dentist can help. They can perform a teeth whitening procedure like in-office bleaching, which removes the deep-set stains and discoloration.