How To Protect Your Teeth From Wine Stains

Ingredients

Have you ever been sipping red wine on a date or at a work event, only to catch your reflection and realize that your teeth are stained purple?

You might be so mortified that you are ready to swear off wine forever. Don't worry! We'd never make you do that. There are actually some pretty simple ways to avoid the dreaded Merlot Mouth.

Your best bet is to start with a clean slate by brushing your teeth before you begin drinking, not after. The wine's tannins (natural compounds in grape skins, stems and seeds) attach to plaque on your teeth, so get rid of as much of that as you can.

It might be a part of your routine to brush after you finish eating and drinking, but it's actually recommended that you wait a little while. The wine's acidity will make your teeth extra sensitive, and brushing right away can damage your enamel.

If you want to give your teeth extra protection while drinking wine, sip on sparkling water or seltzer between glasses. Not only will this loosen up the stains, but it will also keep you hydrated and help you pace yourself so you don't suck down too many glasses right away.

If you still see stains, go ahead and just wipe as you go. A simple paper towel will get most of the unsightly purple hue off of your teeth, or you can take a more delicious, edible approach. Everyone knows that wine and cheese are the perfect pair, but did you know that hard cheeses coat your teeth in calcium, which keeps tannins from sticking to your enamel? Like you needed another excuse to nibble on that Manchego.

We'll drink to that.

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Have you ever been sipping red wine on a date or at a work event, only to catch your reflection and realize that your teeth are stained purple?

You might be so mortified that you are ready to swear off wine forever. Don't worry! We'd never make you do that. There are actually some pretty simple ways to avoid the dreaded Merlot Mouth.

Your best bet is to start with a clean slate by brushing your teeth before you begin drinking, not after. The wine's tannins (natural compounds in grape skins, stems and seeds) attach to plaque on your teeth, so get rid of as much of that as you can.

It might be a part of your routine to brush after you finish eating and drinking, but it's actually recommended that you wait a little while. The wine's acidity will make your teeth extra sensitive, and brushing right away can damage your enamel.

If you want to give your teeth extra protection while drinking wine, sip on sparkling water or seltzer between glasses. Not only will this loosen up the stains, but it will also keep you hydrated and help you pace yourself so you don't suck down too many glasses right away.

If you still see stains, go ahead and just wipe as you go. A simple paper towel will get most of the unsightly purple hue off of your teeth, or you can take a more delicious, edible approach. Everyone knows that wine and cheese are the perfect pair, but did you know that hard cheeses coat your teeth in calcium, which keeps tannins from sticking to your enamel? Like you needed another excuse to nibble on that Manchego.

We'll drink to that.

How To Protect Your Teeth From Wine Stains

Have you ever been sipping red wine on a date or at a work event, only to catch your reflection and realize that your teeth are stained purple?

You might be so mortified that you are ready to swear off wine forever. Don't worry! We'd never make you do that. There are actually some pretty simple ways to avoid the dreaded Merlot Mouth.

Your best bet is to start with a clean slate by brushing your teeth before you begin drinking, not after. The wine's tannins (natural compounds in grape skins, stems and seeds) attach to plaque on your teeth, so get rid of as much of that as you can.

It might be a part of your routine to brush after you finish eating and drinking, but it's actually recommended that you wait a little while. The wine's acidity will make your teeth extra sensitive, and brushing right away can damage your enamel.

If you want to give your teeth extra protection while drinking wine, sip on sparkling water or seltzer between glasses. Not only will this loosen up the stains, but it will also keep you hydrated and help you pace yourself so you don't suck down too many glasses right away.

If you still see stains, go ahead and just wipe as you go. A simple paper towel will get most of the unsightly purple hue off of your teeth, or you can take a more delicious, edible approach. Everyone knows that wine and cheese are the perfect pair, but did you know that hard cheeses coat your teeth in calcium, which keeps tannins from sticking to your enamel? Like you needed another excuse to nibble on that Manchego.

We'll drink to that.