The high acidity found in most white wines can damage your teeth, according to a report in Nutrition Research. The acidity in the wine attacks the calcium and erodes the enamel. If you eat e.g. cheese with the wine the effect may be lessened. This is perhaps not big news. Have you ever been to a tasting of a large number of Alsace wines or Champagnes you may have noticed the unpleasant feeling in the teeth afterwards.
To avoid sever damages one should avoid brushing the teeth after drinking or tasting the wines, it is suggested. Good advice, we think, that our dentist agrees with. Last time we were there she recommended a new type of tooth paste (called Pro-émail) that supposedly helps rebuild the enamel. news.bbc.co.uk
2 Responses
Avoid brushing AFTER tasting? Is this right? I have always read to avoid brushing BEFORE tasting because it removes the mildly protective film of plaque that would actually help protect the teeth.
Now I'm confused. Should I brush afterwards or not. Should I gargle with baking soda to neutralize the acids? Would dentists please make up their minds on what wine drinkers should do.
My experience is that they always recommend to avoid brushing AFTER tasting. Because the acids weaken the protection. So the brushing becomes very abrasive.
In any case, I'd say it's not very wise to brush BEFORE since it leaves a very strong taste in the mouth, preventing you from tasting effectively.