Is Red Wine Bad for Veneers?

The holidays are a great time to gather with friends and loved ones over warm meals. Ham, turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are staples of the season, but there’s one more thing that’s often found on the dinner table. Red wine is a favorite beverage during parties, dinners, or after a long day; however, you may want to reconsider drinking a glass if you have veneers. Although porcelain is stain-resistant, your teeth are still vulnerable to discoloration. Here’s what you need to know to safeguard your pearly whites during the holidays. 

Red Wine is Bad for Your Smile

Red wine can mean bad news for your smile, whether you have veneers or not. While veneers are more resistant to stains than enamel, they can look discolored for many reasons. Scratches on their surfaces can trap food particles, making your veneers dull and discolored. The particles from darkly pigmented foods and drinks, like red wine, can be difficult to remove from the small crevasses. 

Red wine can affect the appearance of your veneers in other ways, too. Drinking it often can stain your underlying teeth, which your veneers won’t be able to hide. Alcohol can also weaken the dental cement used to bond veneers to your teeth, which can cause them to fall off. 

Protecting Your Smile from Stains

If you can’t resist a glass of your favorite wine, your cosmetic dentist will recommend a few simple tips to protect your smile from stains:

• Brush and floss your teeth beforehand to prevent stains from clinging to plaque. Removing food residue or plaque from your teeth will minimize the risk of new discoloration. It will also keep your mouth clean for healthier teeth and gums.
• Drink your wine all at once instead of sipping it. The longer it takes to finish your glass, the more your teeth will be exposed to the stain-causing residue. Drinking through a straw will also limit its contact with your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water to cleanse your teeth. Not only will you prevent stains, but you’ll also stay hydrated, which is important when drinking alcohol. 
• Eat as you drink wine. Eating increases saliva production, which keeps your mouth clean in between brushing and flossing. Having your wine with dinner will decrease stain-causing pigments lingering in your mouth.
• Schedule a cleaning and checkup. Your dental team will remove any buildup that can attract stains and your dentist will look for anything concerning that may interrupt your holiday plans, like a loose veneer. 

The holidays don’t have to come back to haunt your smile. With a few precautions, you can enjoy your wine during the holidays and a stunning smile. 

About Dr. Karen Kozak

Dr. Kozak earned her dental degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and regularly pursues advanced education in many specialties, including cosmetic and general dentistry. She can help you achieve your best smile. If you need a cleaning and checkup before the new year, contact our office today to request an appointment.