It should come to no shock to anyone that people in California enjoy drinking wine. Our beautiful state is one of the world’s leading wine producers and our enviable climate provides a perfect atmosphere for enjoying the wide variety of wines available in California. However, there are a few tips that wine drinkers should use to ensure that wine is not causing long-term damage to your dental health.
1. Drink a glass of water with each glass of wine. A recent study in the Australian Dental Journal found that even a 10-minute wine tasting session can begin to soften enamel. Repeated exposure causes more harm. Water helps to decrease the acidity of the wine in your mouth.
2. Eat cheese with your wine. This is a famous pairing for culinary reasons, but the combination has dental benefits as well. Cheese is an alkaline substance, which also helps to neutralize the acidic environment that wine creates. Acid erodes enamel so it’s vital to ensure that your mouth doesn’t remain acidic for long periods of time.
3. Use a fluoride rinse to help restore the softened enamel caused by drinking wine.
Red wine also can cause staining to your teeth, and many of our patients have found it wise to consider options to keep your teeth white, including changes in diet and cosmetic procedures that can be performed right here in our office.
If you have any questions about your dental health or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.