Wine Tasting and Your Teeth: How to Protect Your Smile

Wine & Teeth

If you love wine — whether as a professional, a passionate collector, or simply an enthusiastic taster — you may have noticed that your teeth don’t always love it as much as you do. Regular wine tasting can leave your smile vulnerable to enamel erosion, sensitivity, staining, and even gum issues. But don’t worry: with a few simple habits, you can keep both your palate and your pearly whites happy.

Why Wine Tasting Can Be Tough on Teeth

• Acids in wine gradually wear away enamel, making teeth more sensitive.

• Tannins in red wine can dry out your mouth (less saliva means less natural protection).

• Staining happens when tannins and pigments bind to the tooth surface.

• Brushing too soon after tasting can actually make things worse, since enamel is softened by acids.

  
  

Who Needs to Be Extra Careful?

If you often find yourself swirling and sipping at tastings, festivals, or wine shows, your teeth may be at higher risk. Research shows that tasting more than 50 wines in a single week can significantly increase tooth sensitivity over time.

Easy Ways to Protect Your Teeth

Here are some expert tips that don’t require a dental degree:

Before tasting

• Brush the night before, not the morning of — leave a thin layer of plaque as a natural barrier.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste or protective mousse before bed.

During tasting

• Sip still water (sparkling is acidic).

• Snack on cheese or crackers to help neutralise acids.

• Avoid acidic snacks like pickles or olives.

After tasting

• Wait at least two hours before brushing your teeth.

• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash instead.

• Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva.

The Bottom Line

Wine is one of life’s great pleasures — and with the right care, it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your smile. A few smart habits can keep your teeth strong and your grin just as bright as your favourite Chardonnay.

(Article adapted from AWRITechnical Review Issue 230, Cowey).