If you consume red wine on occasion, you may have noticed its aggravating tendency to turn your teeth purple. Although serious discoloration and long-term staining may require the help of a dentist, there are a few steps you can take to prevent red wine stains from taking hold. Below are some of the top suggestions to help you whiten your smile while drinking wine.

How to Avoid Red Wine Teeth Stains

1. Drink Sparkling Water

Drink a bottle of sparkling water between each glass of wine. It not only keeps you hydrated and minimizes any ill feeling you might experience the next day, but if you swish it around in your mouth, it will clean your teeth and help prevent staining.

2. Brush Your Teeth Beforehand

A large portion of the "staining" that occurs after drinking wine is the discoloration of dental plaque. To prevent this, remove the plaque by brushing your teeth before you head out for the evening. Also, resist the temptation to scrub your teeth once you get home, as the acid content of the wine can make your teeth sensitive to abrasion. You don't want to damage your tooth enamel.

3. Eat the Right Foods

One of the best ways to fend off the need for a cosmetic dentist after a night of drinking wine is to eat the right foods with it. High fiber foods like uncooked broccoli, artichokes, and brussels sprouts help scrub your teeth clean with every bite. They also encourage you to produce more saliva, which helps rinse away wine remnants. Additionally, hard cheeses coat your teeth with calcium and add an additional barrier against wine stains. 

For reliable teeth whitening, contact Four Corners Dental Group, a trusted dentist practice with two locations in Alaska. They are a respected team that provides painless service for the whole family, including preventative care, dentures, and dental implants. They also specialize in laser and cosmetic dentistry. Visit their website to view location details or call (907) 258-3384 to schedule an appointment in Anchorage or (907) 376-2790 in Wasilla.