Rancho Cucamonga has a great history of wine production. However, this comes with a surprise. Drinking wine can affect your dental health in various ways. For example, it can cause problems like teeth staining and breakdown of enamel.
Following daily oral hygiene and consuming dairy products can help you strengthen your enamel and protect it from the harmful attack of acids in wine. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is also recommended to remineralize the enamel.
If your teeth have started turning yellow, visit a dental practice in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, for a checkup today. Read this blog to learn more about the rich wine history of Rancho Cucamonga and its effect on its residents’ oral health and preventive measures.
History of Rancho Cucamonga’s award-winning wineries
Rancho Cucamonga’s wine-making history dates back to the early 19th century. Tiburcio Tapia planted the first grapes in Cucamonga and introduced wine production in the area. By the early 1900s, Cucamonga had over 2,000 acres of vineyard. It had become known for its major wine productions.
While the industry suffered during a stage called Prohibition, it continued to thrive. The Rancho Cucamonga community has made considerable efforts to preserve its rich history. They often host the Grape Harvest Festival, and some 100-year-old wineries still exist.
How wine affects your teeth
Wine contains high levels of acid, which can damage your enamel and eventually lead to cavities. Although enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it is extremely susceptible to acid present in wines.
Once the enamel is worn out, the second outermost layer, the dentine, is exposed, making your teeth more susceptible to acids. This can lead to sensitivity and tooth decay.
Drinkers in Rancho Cucamonga are at higher risk of developing cavities than people who do not drink. Before acids wear out your enamel, the first thing that you will observe is teeth staining or yellowing of teeth. Red wine also contains a large amount of chromogens, which can cause teeth staining.
Best practices to enjoy wine while protecting your dental health
If you want to enjoy wine without damaging your dental health, here are a few protective measures you can take:
- Brush your teeth before drinking wine: Before you sip a glass of wine, make sure to brush your teeth and rinse properly. Remove any plaque or debris from your mouth. It is advised because these particles expose your teeth to the acid in wine.
- Drink sparkling water: Add a few sips of sparkling water or seltzer in between glasses of wine. This can help you balance the acid intake. Swish it around your mouth to scrub away stains.
- Chew gum: Chewing gum increases saliva production, and saliva acts as a neutralizer against harmful acids present in wine. Therefore, chewing gum can help you lessen the adverse effects of wine on your teeth. Also, it is advisable to chew sugar-free gums to protect your teeth from further harmful effects of sugar.
- Eat cheese: Cheese contains calcium and can be beneficial for wine drinkers. It helps cover tiny pores on the surface of your teeth and protects them from getting stained.
- Brush your teeth again after one hour of sipping wine: Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking wine. Instead, clean them after at least one hour. It is because your teeth are still susceptible to the bristles of the toothbrush due to weakening caused by acid.
Conclusion
Rancho Cucamonga has a long history of winemaking. While wine can be appetizing, it can also stain and damage your teeth. However, when you take careful measures to protect your teeth, you can enjoy your glass of wine without damaging your oral health.
If you have been a wine-lover all your life and your teeth have undergone damage, you need a more professional treatment than brushing and flossing at home. Visit your dentist in Rancho Cucamonga today!