Is the acidity in wine bad for your teeth?

Q: Is the acidity in wine bad for your teeth?

A: There are many factors to consider when it comes to wine and oral health. Let's begin with the most obvious consequence of red wine drinking—the infamous red-wine smile! Some people are bothered by it on a purely aesthetic level, but others wonder if those red stains are indicators that the acids in wine are degrading their teeth.

Indeed, wine can be highly acidic and dissolve your teeth's enamel, leaving them vulnerable. However, other factors play a role, and every individual is different. Unless you are a very prolific wine taster, experts believe other, more frequently consumed beverages may be a bigger problem. The reason you get red-wine stains is that the acids in wine can make small etchings on your tooth enamel at a microscopic level. The enamel is then able to absorb the intense pigments in red wine very easily. White wine technically adheres to teeth also, but since the color is less intense, you may not notice white stains. In addition, tannins tend to bind to tooth enamel very easily.

However, most dentists agree that some simple precautions will minimize red-wine stains and other acid damage. Do not brush your teeth immediately after you drink red wine; that could harm already-softened enamel. Instead, wait an hour before brushing and, in the meantime, rinse your mouth with water, have a snack or try chewing gum after drinking wine to promote more saliva, which will decrease staining. But never go to bed with wine-coated teeth. If you can't wait an hour, advances in oral technology have come to the rescue. You can now purchase wine wipes so you can discreetly polish off red-wine stains before your next social encounter.

One more factor to consider: Can wine actually have any positive effects on your oral health? At least two recent studies have found that red wine has antimicrobial properties and can fight bad oral bacteria linked to periodontal disease. The earlier of the two studies, out of the University of Pavia in Italy, found that both white wine and red wine may help prevent the proliferation of streptococci, bacteria associated with cavities and strep throat. The researchers concluded, "Our findings seem to indicate that wine can act as an effective antimicrobial agent."

But check with your dentist if you have any lingering questions about how wine may affect your particular teeth.

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