Many people in the wine trade experience very sensitive teeth with severe pain when consuming cold, hot or even sweet food and drink. I, for one, am one of them. It’s no fun when having hot and, in particular cold foods and drinks such as ice cream, and iced tea, and your teeth experience pain and sensitivity.

 

Acidity in wine is great for freshness in taste, to teeth, are probably their biggest enemy. Tannins, also, may cause staining around the edge of fillings, crowns, veneers and tartar which have been allowed to build up. The alcohol in wine may also cause changes to the gums and soft tissue lining of the mouth, particularly for smokers.

 

Whilst our beloved beverage can do so much damage to our teeth, but stopping drinking isn’t an option (no, never!), we have to be more proactive in protecting them.

 

Other than the basic advice of brushing teeth at least twice a day, once before bedtime and once in the morning. Using dental floss to clean between teeth and mouthwash on top of your daily dental routine, and regular dental check-ups. For those wine professionals that participate in a wine festival, judging in a wine show or wine reviewing all day, read on for some guidance from the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).

 

Night Before Tasting:
– Brush teeth using fluoride toothpaste (1350-1500 ppm fluoride).
– Apply GC Tooth Mousse® or high-concentration sodium fluoride toothpaste for four minutes.
– Spit it out and refrain from drinking for an hour. Note that the 5000ppm fluoride toothpaste requires a dentist’s prescription.

 

Morning of Tasting:
– Avoid brushing teeth; maintain a natural plaque layer for protection.
– Apply GC Tooth Mousse® with your finger, leaving it for four minutes. Spit out without rinsing.

 

During Tasting:
– Drink still water to dilute acids and rinse your mouth (avoid sparkling water).
– Consume cheese or milk to enrich teeth with calcium and phosphate.
– Eat crackers to stimulate saliva production.
– Avoid olives, pickles, or acidic foods.

 

After Tasting:
– Wait at least two hours before brushing teeth.
– Rinse mouth with 0.2% fluoride mouthwash (e.g., Colgate Fluoriguard) for two minutes.
– Avoid non-fluoride mouthwashes, often acidic.
– Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and neutralize acid.

 

Remember, the susceptibility to dental effects varies, so consult your dentist for a personalized oral care plan. Prioritize prevention over cure, as maintaining oral health is vital in the wine trade. By adopting these practices, you’ll ensure the preservation of your oral well-being while indulging in your passion for wine.