Q: Is it OK to brush my teeth after drinking wine?—Blanca, Mystic, Conn.
A: Tasting and drinking wine of any kind can lead to a range of effects on your teeth and overall oral health. Some studies suggest that wine has antimicrobial properties and other potential benefits. We also know that wine’s acidity can damage the enamel that protects teeth. In the short term, red wine can temporarily stain your smile, leading to the purple “wine mouth” dreaded by professional tasters and casual wine drinkers alike. And in the long term, it’s possible that wine can contribute to more lasting stains on your teeth.
It’s understandable that you’d want to brush your teeth right after tasting or drinking wine, both to remove stains and to prevent the wine’s acid from doing lasting damage. But Dr. Anne Truong, a cosmetic and general dentist in New York City, told Wine Spectator that brushing right after imbibing can actually make things worse: “It is crucial to be aware that brushing your teeth immediately after consuming wine can worsen the situation, as the acids weaken the enamel.”
Since the acid in wine (primarily tartaric acid, with small amounts of malic, lactic and other acids, depending on the type of wine) temporarily softens the tooth enamel, the teeth are “more vulnerable to abrasion during brushing.” Brushing your teeth immediately, Dr. Truong says, “can contribute to further enamel wear, potentially resulting in a more yellow appearance due to the exposure of the inner dentin layer, as well as increased sensitivity.”
Dr. Truong counsels her patients to wait “at least 30 minutes to an hour after consuming wine” before brushing. This waiting period “allows saliva to naturally neutralize the acids and remineralize the enamel.” During this time, it can also help to drink water or rinse your mouth with water, which removes some of the residual wine, hydrates the mouth and stimulates saliva production, ultimately helping the mouth return to a normal level of acidity.
Though it’s best to avoid brushing right after tasting, Dr. Truong stresses that “maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing and flossing, coupled with routine dental checkups, can significantly help mitigate the potential negative effects of wine and promote overall oral health.”
What about brushing before drinking wine? Dr. Truong says a preparatory brushing can help reduce plaque, “a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on teeth [and] can interact with the acids and sugars found in wine, leading to tooth decay and staining.” The less plaque available for wine to stick to, the lower the risk of staining and other issues. That said, strongly flavored toothpastes can interfere with a tasting experience, so you may wish to experiment with different flavors—and be sure to rinse well.
As always, talk to your dentist about keeping your pearly whites strong and shiny while incorporating wine into a healthy lifestyle.—Kenny Martin
