New Year's Resolution: Protect Your Teeth From Red Wine Stains
The new year is coming soon! Now is the time to make any resolutions that will help you achieve personal health or happiness in 2016. If you're a red wine drinker, one relatively simple resolution that will both improve your personal appearance and help you save money on cosmetic dentistry is the resolution to protect your teeth from red wine stains. These tips can help you achieve this goal.
Brush Your Teeth Before You Drink
Brushing your teeth before you drink will wash away any sticky foods that may absorb red wine. If you don't brush your teeth before you drink, this sticky layer of food will absorb the red wine, which will ultimately contribute to the staining of your teeth.
If you're out drinking with friends and find yourself unable to brush your teeth before imbibing, chew sugarless gum. Chewing gum will help clean your teeth almost as well as brushing. When purchasing gum, look for brands that bear the seal of the ADA (American Dental Association).
Drink Sparkling Water Between Sips
Carbonation is what distinguishes sparkling water from regular water. It is this carbonation that gently scrubs the teeth as you drink, thus preventing red wine sticking to the enamel. Drinking sparkling water between sips of red wine helps minimize staining to the teeth.
Eat Crunchy Foods as you Drink Red Wine.
Crunchy foods like carrots and celery help to clean teeth while also encouraging saliva production. Saliva production is good for your teeth because it helps wash away foods and drinks that could cause stains. Therefore, eating crunchy foods while drinking wine can help you keep your teeth clean and stain-free. When out with friends or even while drinking a glass of red wine at home, eat crunchy vegetables that can help remove the stain from your teeth afterward.
Wipe off Your Teeth After Eating
Use tooth wipes to wipe away any food and remaining wine stains after drinking. Carry wipes around in your purse or in your car to help ensure that you'll always have them when you need them, no matter what the event or how impromptu it is.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Getting regular dentist appointments will enable you to keep your teeth clean and avoid food buildup. In turn, this will help you avoid getting red wine stains on your teeth. If your teeth are already stained, your dentist can help you by whitening and brightening the enamel. For more information about tooth whitening and other ways that your dentist can help you keep your teeth white in the new year, make an appointment with your dentist today.
Contact professionals like Milan Simanek, D.D.S. & Associates to learn more.