Wine Stains on the Teeth and How to Prevent Them
If you are a wine connoisseur, you know that drinking too much wine can dramatically stain your teeth. Many wine lovers think that they can avoid wine-stained teeth by only drinking white wine but it is not only the dye contained in red wine that stains teeth, it is the acid, meaning that white wine can stain teeth just as easily. This is due to the acid breaking down tooth enamel and revealing the yellow or brown dentin beneath the surface of teeth.
Our cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles offers several teeth whitening solutions to reverse the wine stains. The most effective whitening treatments are those performed by the dentist themself in their office. These treatments use oxidation to remove stains from the interior of teeth. In-office procedures can whiten teeth many shades brighter in less than one hour. Take-home kits are also available that offer similar results while allowing treatment to be applied in the patients own home.
There are several ways patients who have received teeth whitening treatments can prevent the stains from returning next time they have a glass of wine. Wine straws are a popular choice because they allow the wine to bypass the front of the teeth where the stains are most visible. Wine wipes can also be used after drinking a glass because they contain a special solution that helps to remove the acid and dye from teeth. Finally, never brush immediately after drinking a glass of wine because the tooth enamel has been softened and the abrasive brush strokes will only work to enhance the staining effect. Instead, wait around 30 minutes after drinking the glass of wine to allow time for the enamel to harden again.
If you are interested in having your teeth whitened to remove stains caused by drinking wine, contact our cosmetic dentist today to find out which teeth whitening procedures you are a good candidate for.