People who often drink red wine may complain that it leaves their teeth "stained" with spots, but in fact, white wine is far more damaging to human teeth. German researchers have found in an experiment that white wine erodes tooth enamel more easily than red wine, and long-term consumption can corrode the protective layer of teeth, making them more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods.
This research finding is published in the latest issue of the journal *Nutrition Research*.
Comparative Experiment
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany conducted a comparative experiment. They immersed some extracted adult teeth in white and red wines from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, and compared the extent of erosion on the teeth.
After 24 hours, the researchers examined the teeth under a microscope. The results showed that teeth soaked in white wine lost calcium and phosphate from the enamel surface down to a depth of over 60 micrometers, far exceeding the loss in red wine. The researchers stated that this figure is astonishing.
According to a report by the British *Daily Mail* on the 21st, Dr. Britta Willershausen, a member of the research team, said: "Based on these findings, we can speculate that long-term consumption of white wine can cause serious damage to teeth."
Caused by Acidity
The damage to teeth from white wine is not related to its origin, vintage, or alcohol content, but rather to its acidity and the duration of contact with the teeth.
So, for white wine lovers, how can this damage be reduced?
Researchers believe that calcium-rich foods can counteract some of the damage caused by white wine: traditionally having cheese as a dessert, or eating it while drinking, can play a positive role in preventing tooth decay, as cheese is rich in calcium. This can neutralize the acidity and enhance the ability of saliva to repair teeth, thereby preventing acid erosion.
However, consuming white wine with strawberries, or mixing it with acidic juice to make a carbonated drink, can cause even more trouble, as this increases the acidity of the white wine. Previous studies have shown that carbonated drinks and citrus juices like lemon and orange can also erode tooth enamel.
Scientific Brushing
After drinking, the acidity of white wine softens the teeth. Brushing immediately afterwards can make the situation even worse, leading to further loss of enamel.
"If you want to have a drink, do so with a meal. After drinking, remember to wait for 30 minutes before brushing your teeth," advises Dr. Damien Walmsley, a professor at the British Dental Association, to white wine enthusiasts.
"Eating and drinking together, rather than drinking alone, helps the saliva produced during chewing to neutralize the acid or inhibit its corrosive effects," Walmsley explains. "Waiting a while after drinking to brush is to allow the enamel time to recover from the acid erosion and prevent it from being easily 'brushed away.'"