What's the best way to deal with the dreaded "red wine teeth"?
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
When I drink red wine, I often get the dreaded "red wine teeth," which is an embarrassing condition to have at a party when I intend on talking, smiling, or otherwise showing my newly wine-stained chompers. And is there any way to reduce this affliction without hampering my enjoyment of reds?
—Will, Augusta, Ga.
Dear Will,
First and foremost, you really should talk to a dentist about what would be best for your long-term tooth care. But I have some tips for tooth stains in a social situation, and I promise none of them involve drinking wine through a straw.
If you are particularly prone to the purple-toothed grin, consider drinking white or bubbly instead of (or in addition to) reds. Sneaking into a bathroom to brush isn't always a good idea, because a mouth fresh with wine is often also full of acid, and if you brush too soon, you might risk damaging your teeth and possibly making your staining problems worse. Eating a snack and drinking water will help your mouth's natural acid balance to return. If you're really in a pinch, there are some products in the market that are like portable miniature tooth polishers, and they fit easily into your pocket. Look for words like "smile refresher" or "oral brush-ups."
—Dr. Vinny
