Can Wine Affect Your Teeth?

 Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

There are many things that can affect the health of your teeth from food and beverages to genetics and dental care. Like many things, wine can affect the teeth in a few ways, such as staining and weakening of the enamel, but it can also help prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.

To reduce the effect of wine on teeth it should be paired with or followed by an acid-reducing snack or drink.

Teeth color affected by wine

Wine is most likely to affect the color of your teeth by creating stains from the tannins and fruits that are present. Red wine especially will tint the teeth with a red or pink shade. Although white wine may seem like it is a safer choice it still causes some staining.

To limit teeth stains from wine, drink water or rinse to remove the residue from the teeth, but do not brush right away. The acidity can weaken the enamel and brushing may remove the protective layer from the teeth.

By weakening the enamel it allows for other foods or drinks that are consumed to stain the teeth more then they normally would.  This creates a no-win situation in which even if the wine itself doesn’t leave any stains it allows other foods to create stains on the teeth.

Enamel weakened by wine

As wine has a high acidic level it will affect the enamel on the teeth by weakening it. When enamel is weakened it allows for more cavities to form, increases sensitivity to hot and cold, and allows the enamel to be brushed away by a normal toothbrush.

It is important to not brush teeth soon after drinking wine but allow for the enamel to reharden after consumption. Rinsing the teeth and mouth after a glass of wine may help to remove the acid from the teeth, but is not certain to lessen the effects.

Good news about wine and your teeth

While it is known that wine can both weaken enamel and stain teeth, it can also fight the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. The antioxidants found in red wine can help to reduce the growth of plaque on the teeth.

In contrast, the grapeseed extract in white wine is effective in reducing the bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities. Other studies have shown that polyphenols that are present in the grapes used to make wine can protect against bacteria that cause gingivitis, which can help to improve overall oral health.

Wine is well known to cause teeth staining, but also to weaken the protective layer of teeth allowing other foods to also leave stains. It is not all bad news though, as a glass of water between drinks or a rinse between sips can help to reduce the acid level in the mouth and remove the wine residue.

Wine also has bacteria-fighting abilities that may reduce gum disease and cavities, making it safe to have in moderation and with other foods or drinks to compensate for its acid.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.