A glass of cabernet sauvignon for your summer sangria, a glass of merlot for dinner, or a glass of pinot noir to unwind at the end of the day - most people enjoy having a glass of wine, whether it is just for a special occasion or a glass every evening. However, as delicious and delightful wine may be, it does carry some harmful effects on your oral health.
Staining
Red wine contains pigments, called chromogens, that gives the wine its deep and dark red colour. Since tooth enamel is not completely smooth, when you drink red wine these pigments sink into the teeth and lead to staining.
Although staining of the teeth is most common with red wine, white wine can do its damage too. Wine contains tannins, which come from the seeds, stems, and skin of a wine grape. When you drink a glass of wine, the tannins bind to the teeth which causes erosion of the enamel. White wine causes greater damage to the enamel because it is more acidic than red wine.
Sugar
Sugar has many negative effects, but the biggest risk of sugar is tooth decay. The natural bacteria found in your mouth thrives on sugar, consuming more sugar means more for the bacteria to feed on and it turn attacks the enamel of your teeth. Red and white ice wine are by far the sweetest and have the highest concentration of sugar, meaning they cause the most harm to your teeth. To better your oral health, look into wines with a lower sugar content. Dry or extra dry wines have the lowest sugar content; some good options include:
• Bordeaux
• Chianti
• Pinot Grigio
• Chardonnay
The Good News
Over the years, researchers have found that in fact there several health benefits associated with drinking wine, especially in red wine. Some of these health benefits of wine include:
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Boosts the immune system
• Contains antioxidants
In addition to your overall health, researchers have also found that wine does carry benefits for your oral health as well. Some of these oral health benefits include:
• Helps prevent bacteria associated with cavities
• Helps fight plaque-causing bacteria from sticking to the gum tissue
• May help fight gum disease
Word of Advice
Although wine also has a few downfalls, there are ways to still drink wine while not causing too much harm to your oral health. Some tips for maintain good oral health for wine drinkers:
• Rinse your mouth after drinking a glass. It would be best to keep a glass of water next to you whenever drinking wine to help prevent the wine from lingering in your mouth causing any further damage.
• Pair your wine with food. Certain foods can act as a barrier to the acid in wine. Cheese and crackers are most commonly paired with wine; not only does it taste delicious but it also can help naturally remove any staining.
• Get your teeth whitened. Although you can take preventative measures to avoid staining, if you are an avid red wine drinker it will be close to impossible to maintain those pearly whites without the assistance of teeth whitening. Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre, located in Ottawa, offers laser teeth whitening which can be done in just 30 minutes at our dental office. If you have a busy schedule, no need to worry, Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre also offers take home teeth whitening which is a far more effective solution than typical store bought whitening strips.
Although wine does carry some negative effects with it, it also carries some positive effects not only to your oral health but also to your overall health. This means that you don’t have to stop drinking wine. However, it is important to consume wine moderately and to remember to take preventative measures to maintain good oral health. Aside from the tips we have mentioned, it is essential to be visiting your dentist every year for a dental check up. This way, you can be aware of the condition of your oral health, get proper treatment, and learn ways to better your oral health. Whether you’re a wine drinker or not, visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa today for a dental check up. Contact us today to book an appointment, and always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!
