HOW CAN I AVOID RED WINE STAINS ON MY LIPS AND TEETH ?

TIPS TO SAY GOODBYE TO WINE STAINS

The problem with red wine is that when you drink it, it shows. Who hasn't ended up with unsightly stains on their lips and teeth? Here are some precautionary steps to save you from frequent bathroom trips to check the state of your mouth, and to help you enjoy your glass of wine—sometimes essential in social situations—without worry.

Avoid "Staining Reds"

If you have the privilege of choosing the wine from the menu, there's a perfect trick to reduce the risk of those unappealing purple lips and blackened teeth: opt for a low-tannin wine. Tannins, the substances found in grape skins, are what cause your teeth to stain. So, you won’t take much of a risk by choosing a light and fruity wine such as a Gamay from the Loire or Beaujolais, or a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. If you're unsure and at a restaurant, don't hesitate to ask the sommelier to serve you a wine with these characteristics. If you’re buying wine at a store or online, you should find information about the wine's structure and tannin content. However, if you’re in a situation where you can't choose the wine, keep reading!

Lip Balm Is Your Best Friend

One simple thing you might not think of when heading into a night of drinking is hydration. While this tip is crucial to avoid the dreaded hangover, it also applies to your lips. Always try to keep a lip balm in your pocket and apply it at least three times during the evening: before drinking, during, and after. This should seriously limit the chances of those nasty little purple stains sticking to your lips.

And For Your Teeth?

Lip balm is great, but it doesn’t solve the issue of stained teeth. And let’s be honest, red stains on white teeth aren’t very attractive—quite the opposite! The right reflex here is to drink water before and during your wine consumption. If that’s not enough, try a slice of lemon or some sparkling water. You can also rub your teeth with sugar (or honey if you're at home) mixed with a bit of water. Finally, to prevent any risk of stains lingering the next day, make sure to brush your teeth before going to bed.

If, despite all these tips, red wine still has it out for you, it might be wiser to switch to white wine. Alternatively, you can try Wine Wipes, American wipes specifically designed to remove wine stains from your lips and teeth.