Dentist talked about the effect of wine on teeth

A glass of wine can cause not only tooth staining, but also gradual damage to the enamel. The acids in the composition of the drink begin to affect the surface of the teeth already in the first minutes of contact. Veronika Sidorkovich, a leading dental hygienist at the Attribute clinic, told Izvestia on August 6 about how dangerous wine is for enamel and how to reduce risks.

According to the expert, the main problem lies in the acidity of the wine. In white varieties, the pH level is usually about 3.0–3.3, in red varieties — 3.4–3.8. For comparison, the destruction of enamel minerals begins already at a value below 5.5. This means that the effect of acid begins almost from the first sip. Laboratory tests have shown that within one to two minutes after contact with wine, the first signs of erosion may appear on the surface of the tooth enamel.

"The longer the drink stays in the mouth, the higher the risk of damage. This is especially true in situations where wine is not just drunk, but savored for a long time, as it is done at tastings," explained Sidorkovich.

In this case, damage to the enamel does not always become irreversible. In the early stages, the body is able to partially restore the mineral composition of teeth due to the process of remineralization. The enamel constantly loses and gets back minerals — calcium, phosphates and fluorine. If the restoration is faster than the destruction, the tooth structure is preserved. However, with constant exposure to acid, microcracks and porosity appear, and the enamel gradually thinns. In this case, it is no longer possible to restore the lost volume naturally, and dental treatment is required.

The specialist called white spots on teeth one of the first alarming signs. They may indicate the initial stage of demineralization, when the process can still be stopped with the help of remineralizing therapy.

People who regularly experience acid stress should be especially attentive to the use of wine. According to the dentist, the risk directly depends not only on the amount of drink, but also on the frequency of contact with teeth. The most illustrative example is professional wine tasters. This group of specialists is more likely to show signs of enamel erosion due to constant exposure to acids.

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At the same time, the body's susceptibility differs from person to person, Sidorovich added. For some, damage can occur even with regular consumption of small amounts of wine, while others do not notice changes for a long time due to the peculiarities of the composition of saliva and the structure of enamel.

There is no completely safe portion of wine for teeth, but moderation is important. The specialist recommended not to drink alcohol daily and to leave several days a week without it.

"The harm of wine is not only related to acidity. Alcohol reduces the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acids and protects the enamel. In addition, the sugars contained in the drink can contribute to the development of tooth decay. People with sensitive teeth, dry mouth, braces or aligners are at increased risk. When wearing mouthguards, it is especially important to be careful: you cannot drink wine in them, because acid and sugar can linger between the mouthguard and teeth, creating an aggressive environment for the enamel," the expert said.

After drinking wine, the dentist advised not to brush your teeth immediately. In the first 30-40 minutes after contact with acid, the enamel becomes softer, and the mechanical action of the brush can increase the damage. It is better to first rinse your mouth with plain water to remove acid residues. Additionally, you can use sugar-free chewing gum, preferably with xylitol, to stimulate salivation.

It is also important to choose the right snacks. Acidic foods, citrus fruits, pickles, sweets and juices enhance the effect on the enamel. But hard cheeses may be a better option: they contain calcium and phosphorus, which are involved in maintaining the structure of teeth. Nuts and some fatty foods can also reduce the aggressiveness of acid by forming a protective film on the surface of the teeth.

According to the expert, it is not necessary to completely abandon wine in order to preserve the enamel. The main thing is to follow simple rules.: do not hold the drink in your mouth, drink water after consumption, do not brush your teeth immediately and visit the dentist regularly. Enamel is not able to restore already lost tissues, but with proper care it can be strengthened and protected from further destruction.

Dentist Maxim Labukhin, in an interview with Izvestia on July 22, said that diseases of the teeth and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can be interrelated, so treating only one problem does not always give a stable result. In particular, if there is an incorrect bite, missing teeth, caries or gum inflammation, food may enter the stomach insufficiently ground.