Most people have been in this somewhat embarrassing situation before: they’ve had several glasses of red wine (Merlot, Cabernet, take your pick) and the evidence is all over their teeth and lips. Whether enjoying a nightcap at home or over dinner with some friends, people don’t need anything special to get rid of wine-stained teeth or lips. Some easy fixes, and solid prep, can mean having your cake and eating it too or, better yet, having your red and drinking it too.
before drinking
If someone notices that they have red teeth and red, wine-stained lips, it’s likely a by-product of the pigments in the wine sticking to plaque on the surface of their teeth, so the easiest solution would be to remember brush before eating. It is also essential to brush your teeth before drinking because wine is very acidic. Sufficient exposure to the acid in such beverages can wear down the enamel, therefore making the teeth susceptible to tooth sensitivity or cavities. Brushing vigorously to remove stains from your teeth could do more damage, so opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush after a night out.
Also, when lips are dry, they are more likely to get red wine stains, as dry lips will absorb more moisture than a person drinks, which could manifest as red, flaky lips. Before you drink, take a moment to exfoliate your lips with a clean, dry toothbrush, some water mixed with baking soda, or a towel to remove any dry skin on your lips. From there, use a quality lip balm to moisturize your lips, which should decrease the chance of staining.
during drinking
Admittedly, it may not exactly be a refined way to enjoy red wine, but it could at least protect lips from staining: use a straw so the wine bypasses your lips entirely. If you’re at a restaurant and feel uncomfortable asking for a straw, just ask the waiter for a wine spritzer or whisk in a tall glass instead of a standard wine glass.
post drink
For those in public who notice their lips have already gotten stained, they can ask for a slice of lime or lemon with their drink. Citrus is easy to bite into discreetly with your lips, and the high amount of acidity can help dissolve leftover wine stains. If lime or lemon juice does touch your teeth, swish a little water around in your mouth to prevent the acid from remaining on the tooth enamel.
For those who notice they have red lips, always embrace the color by making it look intentional. A quick swipe with a bit of lip balm could add enough shine that the red color looks like glitter instead of wine residue. A clear gloss is also kept inside a purse to prevent further embarrassment from wine-stained lips.
