If you have worked a long day and want to unwind, grabbing a glass of wine probably feels like an easy way to reduce stress and help you relax. Plus, wine is delicious! You might be accustomed to enjoying a well-paired wine with dinner or simply having a glass on its own once the kids go to bed.
Wine can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation, but your oral health may suffer from a regular wine habit. Your dentist in Monroe Township wants you to consider some facts when you want to maintain the health of your smile.
#1 Dry mouth – Wine, or any alcoholic beverage, causes dehydration and can lead to dry mouth. Having dry mouth increases the risk of developing periodontal disease and decay. You can consume more water to combat dry mouth, but that may result in additional trips to the bathroom at night, interrupting your sleep.
#2 Stained teeth – All wine, but red wine in particular, can leave color deposits on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to a dark or yellow smile. Rinsing your mouth after consuming wine will help and thoroughly brushing your teeth before bed will remove some of the surface stains. If you want a brighter smile, we offer teeth whitening to bleach away wine and food stains.
#3 Dental decay – Wine contains acid, which leads to tooth decay. The problem can magnify when you drink wines that have residual sugars, such as German Rieslings or dessert wines. Brushing your teeth thoroughly will help to reduce this risk, but as with any acidic product, it is advised to wait about 30 minutes to prevent additional damage to your enamel.
#4 Acid reflux – Alcoholic beverages can exacerbate acid reflux, especially when you lie down. If you have a history of acid reflux, you may want to leave a few hours after your last glass of wine before turning in for the night. Acid reflux can eat away at teeth when stomach acids arise within the mouth.
For a dentist in Monroe Township who will help you make healthy dietary choices and provide preventive dentistry to keep your smile comfortable and beautiful, give us a call.
