Wine is one of the oldest and most widely-consumed beverages in the world, and there’s nothing quite like relaxing after a long day with a glass of your favorite wine. National Wine Day is on May 25, and at Harrisburg Smiles, we wanted to give our patients some background about wine, teeth, and how to keep your smile bright even after you celebrate with your favorite red!
Why Does Wine Stain Teeth?
Red wines contain a number of strong pigments called “chromogens,” which come from the grapes used to produce wine. These pigments are responsible for giving wine its deep, dark hue. However, they can also bond to the porous surface of your enamel, leaving behind stains and discoloring your teeth permanently. Chromogens also tend to stick to plaque, which leads to a red, stained smile. However, keeping up with a healthy hygiene routine should keep stains at bay and help you enjoy red wine without any permanent damage to your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Can Restore Your Smile!
If you have noticed that your teeth are stained or discolored due to your wine habit, don’t worry! At Harrisburg Smiles, we offer teeth whitening to spruce up your smile and keep you looking fresh and youthful, without any signs of staining.
Teeth whitening uses a special type of compound called a “peroxide,” such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When these compounds are applied to your teeth, the special oxygen molecules break the chemical bonds that hold stains to your tooth and bleach them away. We offer both in-office and take-home whitening kits at our office to meet the needs of every patient.
Keeping Your Smile White After Treatment – Our Top Tips
Looking to keep your smile white, but still enjoy a glass of your favorite red? Here are a few tips for keeping your smile bright:
- Brush before drinking wine – Brushing your teeth before you drink wine removes plaque and minimizes stains clinging onto the surfaces of your teeth
- Have a snack with your wine – Eating a salad, crackers, or cheese can help scrub away stains and prevent acid buildup in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth after you have a glass of wine – Simply having a glass of water can help rinse your mouth after you drink wine, and prevent wine stains from forming.
- Use whitening toothpaste – Using a whitening toothpaste helps remove surface stains and prevent them from reappearing, keeping your smile bright and beautiful!
Interested In Teeth Whitening In Harrisburg? Come To Our Office Today!
Teeth whitening is affordable, non-invasive, and can help you reverse the effects of wine consumption to get a brilliant, white smile. Celebrate National Wine Day with a whitening appointment at Harrisburg Smiles! You can contact us for a cosmetic dentistry consultation at (980) 258-0866, or come to our office in person at 4310 Physicians Blvd, Harrisburg, NC 28075.
