I am acutely aware as a dentist that we spend our days giving advice.....
"Brush your teeth so you don't get cavities!"
"Don't brush too hard or you'll receded your gums!"
"FLOSS!"
So when a friend asked me recently about the effects of wine on teeth, I immediately launched into the facts ranging from red wines staining your teeth to the dreaded oral cancer.
My friend's face turned from one of amusement to horror!
A very familiar expression in the surgery to be honest, but in the context of this blog, I will try and keep it simple without putting you off your weekly tipple!
In the midst of this Covid-19 pandemic, wine sales have gone through the roof as people brighten up their days with a drop of the good stuff. It is good to be mindful of the effects that wine has on teeth.
Wine Is Acidic
Wine is acidic with a pH that ranges from 3-3.5. Champagne is even more acidic again . Acid wears away the enamel of your teeth causing irreversible damage and erosion.
So what's the solution, not drink wine ??? (pfft!)
Sipping water between drinks of wine will help rebalance the pH in the mouth. Not brushing your teeth for half an hour after drinking wine also help as the natural saliva in your mouth will also help rebalance the pH in your mouth. Tooth pastes like Sensodyne Proenamel can also help
Wine Stains teeth
Red wine stains are not a thing of beauty and most wine drinker will have experienced this at some stage in their drinking career. Brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste helps remove stains as tiny silica particles in the toothpaste act like an exfoliator. An electric toothbrush will also help keep these pesky stains at bay. White wine stains the teeth less than red wine so if you are keen to keep your pearly whites white, stick to the clear stuff!
Wine Has A High Sugar Content
Drinking alcohol in moderation is key! Wine has a high sugar content and even though it is a naturally occurring sugar, the body processes it in the same was as processed sugar and therefore it can cause cavities in large doses. Continue using flouridated toothpaste and mouthwash if needed and drink wine in moderation!
For more advice, you can reach Dr Jennifer Collins and her team at Northumberland Dental Care on www.nidm.ie or info@nidm.ie or call her on 016688441
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