Repair of wine stained lips and teeth after red wine
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 preparation, might 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 byproduct of the pigments in the wine clinging to the plaque on the surface of the 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 away enamel, therefore making teeth susceptible to tooth sensitivity or decay. Brushing vigorously to remove stains from your teeth could cause more damage, so opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush after a night out.
Also, when lips are dry, red wine is more likely to stain them, 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 dry skin from your lips. From there, use a quality lip balm to moisturize your lips, which should lessen the likelihood of staining.
during drinking
Admittedly, it might not exactly be a refined way to enjoy red wine, but it might at least protect your 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 your server for a wine spritzer or blender in a tall glass instead of a standard wine glass.
post drink
For those in public who notice that their lips have already stained, they can ask for a slice of lime or lemon with their drink. It’s easy to discreetly bite into citrus with your lips, and the high amount of acidity can help dissolve leftover wine stains. If lime or lemon juice touches the teeth, swish a little water in the mouth to prevent the acid from remaining on the enamel of the teeth.
For those who notice that they have red lips, one must always embrace the color by making it appear intentional. A quick swipe with some lip balm might add just enough shine to make the red look like a gloss rather than wine residue. A clear gloss is also kept inside a purse to prevent further wine-stained lip embarrassment.