Dark, discolored teeth at a dinner party are always an embarrassing giveaway as to who was drinking red wine. But is it possible that these stains could be helping your teeth? Studies now show that the properties of red wine may be protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria and gum disease. And some chemicals in white wine may actually be damaging your teeth!
If you love wine, we certainly don’t want you to stop drinking it altogether. We simply want to make sure all Williamsville residents have the facts about their food and drinks, so everyone can make informed decisions about their health. Let our Williamsville Family Dentistry staff know if you have any questions about teeth whitening in Williamsville!
White or Red?
Everyone in Williamsville knows that drinking red wine can leave unsightly stains your teeth, but a recent study shows that white wine may actually be a worse culprit. Scientists at the New York University College of Dentistry studied the effects on tooth whiteness, and found that although red wine discolors, white wine actually dissolves a microlayer of tooth, making it rougher and more vulnerable. If this is followed with staining drinks such as coffee and tea, or acidic foods such as citrus fruits, the resulting damage could be harmful to the health of your mouth.
White Wine Damages Teeth
Another study by a team from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, confirmed their findings and also discovered that the longer the time you spend drinking white wine, and the more frequently you drink it, the worse the damage will be to your teeth. Some ways to counteract these affects include making sure you eat a calcium-rich diet, limiting the other damaging food or drinks you have, and waiting 20 to 30 minutes to brush your teeth. Brushing too soon after white wine will cause more damage to their already weakened state. Instead, rinse with water and try using whitening toothpaste when you do brush.
Red Wine Protects Teeth?
To add to the debate, researchers at Pavia University in Italy found that a bacteria that feeds on sugars in food, contributing to cavities, was unable to cling to teeth when red wine was present. Another study from Lavel University in Quebec, Canada found that compounds in red wine may in fact prevent and treat inflammatory gum diseases.
Whiten Teeth
Whether you choose to drink red or white wine, you may find that your teeth are not as white as you might like. There are many teeth whitening options available in our Williamsville drug stores, but without a proper assessment from Dr. Clauser, you could end up damaging your teeth.
We understand that you might not choose to get your teeth whitened with an in-office treatment, but please make sure to check with us before starting any whitening.
So white or red wine? That’s for you to decide! But if you have any questions always make sure to ask our Williamsville Family Dentistry staff!
Sources
http://www.nyu.edu/dental/news/index.html?news=209
http://www.allure.com/beauty/blogs/reporter/2009/11/the-new-health-benefit-of-red.html
We make sure each and every one of our clients’ needs and concerns are addressed in a caring and thoughtful manner. We want your experience to be as enjoyable and efficient as possible here at Williamsville Family Dentistry in Williamsville, NY.