Tis the season for toasting and cheers-ing — and all the holiday spirit. But what never fills us with good cheer are unsightly red wine teeth stains.
We have good news: You can still celebrate with your favorite Merlot, Malbec, and more — and keep your smile white and bright.

The key is to follow a few little hacks to help your teeth out while you’re sipping your favorite pour. Here are our top tips that we tell all our red-wine-loving patients at SMILE! Advanced Dental Center. (Coffee and tea drinkers: Keep these in mind, too!)

1. Brush Your Teeth (Like Immediately)

Not to be a buzzkill, but one of the best ways to avoid red wine stains is to brush your teeth after you finish your glass. That’s because tooth enamel has microscopic indentations and ridges — a.k.a. infamous catchers of dark pigments from wine, coffee, and the like. This is what causes the staining and discoloration on the surface of your teeth.

While brushing your teeth with your favorite whitening toothpaste immediately after you finish your drink is one of the best ways to prevent those stains from settling in, we realize it’s not always possible.

In a pinch — or at a party where brushing your teeth is not easily accessible — carry disposable dental wipes. They’re made especially for red wine stains on teeth and are a good compromise for social situations — and small handbags.

2. Drink Water

We know it’s not always possible to pull out your toothbrush — especially at a party. And you may not have those teeth wipes handy.

So, the next best thing is to rinse your mouth with water — or even just drink some water — after you finish that glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The water will help move the wine residue off your teeth.

As a bonus, staying hydrated is always good for your health and may help prevent that dreaded headache the next day!

3. Nosh On

If that charcuterie board is calling your name, answer the call! Because believe it or not, the more you graze while sipping your red wine the better.  Consuming things like hard cheeses and high-fiber foods like raw veggies — or even a salad — will amp up saliva production and help protect teeth while whisking those pesky red wine tannins away.

Your bonus here? Cheese is high in teeth-strengthening calcium and phosphorus — and some varieties like Gouda, Swiss, and Parmesan also boast a good amount of vitamin K2, which is also supportive for your dental health.

4. Extra Credit: Bring in the Cosmetic Dentistry Experts

Teeth get stained for a variety of reasons — not just because of your favorite red wine (or coffee or tea!). For anyone who has tried to DIY their way to a whiter, brighter smile, it’s common to fall short of your desired results while wasting lots of time and money.

So, our final tip is to bring in the experts and consult your dental professionals for help. If you’re in the Summerville, SC, area, our team at SMILE! Advanced Dental Center can help you troubleshoot pesky red wine stains and more.

We provide professional teeth whitening that can get you the smile you desire — often in just one visit! Our teeth whitening services offer powerful yet safe methods to minimize the appearance of stains, discoloration, and yellowing.

Our dentists work with your unique smile to determine the right type of treatment and treatment length to achieve the aesthetic you desire.

SMILE! Advanced Dental Center goes to extraordinary lengths to get to know you, understand your dental care needs, and exceed your expectations. To learn more or set up a consultation, click here or call 843-873-1261.