Q: Should I rinse with mouthwash after drinking red wine?—Lester, Scranton, Pa.
A: Moderate wine consumption can have a range of effects on your oral health. Some of these are positive—phenolic compounds in wine may limit the growth of bacteria that cause plaque, periodontal disease and more. But wine can also erode tooth enamel and cause stains. How can wine lovers best protect their pearly whites?
Is Acid in Wine Bad for Your Teeth?
Dr. Anne Truong, a cosmetic and general dentist in New York City, told Wine Spectator that drinking wine creates a highly acidic environment in the mouth. Wines (whether red, white or sparkling) typically have a pH between 3 and 4, and that considerable acidity can take a toll on your teeth—and your overall oral health.
How Should You Clean Your Teeth After Drinking Wine?
Could a post-libation rinse help? Dr. Truong recommends rinsing with water immediately after tasting or drinking wine. Water helps the mouth return to its normal acidity and removes some of the residual wine on your teeth. She says a water rinse, plus waiting 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth, can help preserve enamel and reduce or prevent staining. (Toothpaste can also affect how wine tastes, so you may want to avoid brushing right before drinking wine.)
Mouthwash can also play a helpful role in your overall dental care routine. Dr. Truong says that “nightly use of an alcohol-free mouthwash containing xylitol and fluoride after brushing and flossing can be beneficial in creating a less acidic environment in your mouth.” The mouthwash, she explains, “helps buffer the pH levels” and reduce overall acidity, which preserves enamel and healthy mouth chemistry—and may even help prevent or reduce stains.
Why Is Alcohol-Free Mouthwash Best?
Dr. Truong notes that the “absence of alcohol in the mouthwash is advantageous as it prevents additional dehydration and allows for effective saliva buffering capabilities.” She also stresses that regular brushing and flossing—plus regular visits to the dentist—are crucial for wine lovers hoping to keep their teeth healthy in the long run.
As always, talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating wine into a healthy lifestyle.—Kenny Martin
