Many people celebrate a job well done with a glass of wine. But what if you just had professional teeth whitening at River Park Dental? Can you drink red wine without staining your newly brightened smile?

While you can drink red wine after a whitening treatment in Dublin, OH, we recommend waiting 48 hours before indulging in any dark-colored food or beverage. Dr. Phing Saurer will provide a set of post-care instructions to help maintain and preserve your results long-term.

Below, we discuss the effects of red wine on the enamel and provide expert tips for reducing your risk of staining after treatment. Patients near Dublin, Hilliard, Worthington, and UA, OH can call our office to schedule a teeth whitening appointment today.

What substances stain your teeth?

It’s no secret that dark-colored foods and drinks can cause stained teeth. But what is it about red wine that leads to discoloration? The answer has everything to do with chromogens, which are tiny molecules that stick to the enamel on your teeth.

Some chromogens are naturally-occurring, like those found in coffee, tea, and red wine. Others are man-made, such as the dyes used in candy and soda. No matter the source, it’s important to be aware of the foods and drinks that are most likely to impact your smile.

In general, anything that would stain a white shirt is likely to stain your teeth. This includes:

  • Red wine
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Soda
  • Sports drinks
  • Berries/fruit juices

How does professional tooth whitening help?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products may remove minor surface stains. But, if you want long-lasting outcomes, your best bet is to visit Dr. Saurer for professional teeth whitening. River Park Dental offers in-office and at-home whitening options to help achieve your desired level of brightness in Columbus, OH. We also provide custom-fit whitening trays to ensure a comfortable experience.

In-office whitening treatment is ideal for those who want to manage stained teeth and see immediate results. The appointment only takes an hour, and patients can expect a noticeable difference in the shine of their smiles. At-home whitening can also maintain your results from the comfort of your home. Dr. Saurer always provides professional-grade products that are safer and more effective than those found at the drugstore.

When can you drink red wine again after teeth whitening?

You may be eager to celebrate your brighter smile with a glass of red wine, but patients should wait 48 hours before consuming any dark-colored food or drink. This will give your teeth time to adjust to the treatment. River Park Dental can make detailed recommendations for at-home care following your whitening treatment.

If you do drink red wine (or other dark-colored beverages), be sure to rinse your mouth with water, brush your teeth, or use a mouthwash solution. These methods will help remove residual chromogens that could lead to potential staining.

Keep your smile bright

Stained teeth can make you feel self-conscious, but professional teeth whitening in Columbus, OH can help you achieve the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Call River Park Dental to meet with Dr. Phing Saurer and learn about our comprehensive teeth whitening options. We proudly serve patients near Dublin, Hilliard, Worthington, and UA, OH.