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Red wine and white teeth: how to save enamel?
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The New Year holidays are getting closer and closer. Surely many people have the same associations with the New Year: a decorated Christmas tree, snow, tangerines, delicious food and, of course, champagne. But many people do not really like sparkling wines and, having drunk a glass of champagne in honor of the New Year under the chimes, immediately return to their favorite "non-sparkling" wine.
This aromatic drink has a large army of fans, which is not surprising. However, few people know what a love of wine can do to teeth. Web2Health recommends reading this article to those who have already decided that they will celebrate the New Year holidays with a glass of wine.
Drinking red wine causes enamel to darken
The outer layer of teeth is called enamel, it is multi-layered and its layer is different in different areas of the teeth. The enamel itself is translucent, and the color of the teeth is determined mainly by a substance called dentin. Over time, the enamel acquires yellowish and grayish shades under the influence of coloring products, which include wine.
Read also: Secret properties of wine published
When a person drinks red or white wine, the teeth are exposed to the destructive action of acids. For example, sommeliers have an increased risk of enamel erosion and tooth darkening because their professional duties include not only compiling wine lists, but also tasting the drink. They hold wine in their mouths many times a day, which negatively affects the condition of their teeth.
A person who drinks wine has increased porosity of tooth enamel, which leads to stains. Red wine contains chemicals called tannins. Tannins are responsible for the color and taste of wine. Red wine has more tannins than white wine.
When the acidity level drops below 5.5, the acids in the wine begin their destructive work, which can lead to tooth decay and dark spots.
Read also: Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need to Know
ILive presents six tips to help you protect your teeth while enjoying your favorite drink.
Rinsing with water
Before you take your first sip of wine, prepare a glass of plain water. This will serve as a reminder that you need to rinse your teeth after drinking the drink. The water will wash away the acid and prevent staining.
Fluoride rinses
Fluoride mouthwashes strengthen tooth enamel and prevent its destruction.
Read also: Interesting facts about tooth enamel
Brush and floss
After drinking red, do not forget to rinse your mouth and use dental floss to ensure that no food particles remain in the spaces between your teeth. Foods rich in acids are especially dangerous and can harm your teeth.
Drink through a straw
Those who have recently had their teeth whitened should especially not drink coloring drinks, but there is a way out – you can drink juices, coffee and wine through a straw. This way you can protect your front teeth from staining.
Read also: 10 Habits That Will Keep Your Smile Snow-White
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Crispy foods
Foods such as celery, apples and carrots are naturally abrasive, they gently remove stains from the surface of the teeth without causing any harm.
Dentist
It is essential to visit your dentist twice a year, even if nothing bothers you. The dentist will be able to identify the slightest problems and take action.