You enjoy wine. Maybe it is a glass in the evening or a bottle with friends at the weekend. But you also want to keep your teeth looking their best. So does wine actually stain your teeth? The answer is yes — and understanding why can help you protect your smile.

Wine, particularly red wine, contains chromogens. These are pigmented compounds that attach to tooth enamel. Every time you sip, these compounds cling to the surface of your teeth and gradually cause discolouration.

Red wine is the bigger culprit. It contains both chromogens and tannins, which are astringent compounds that actually help the pigments stick to your teeth. Tannins dry out your mouth slightly, which reduces saliva's ability to wash those pigments away.

White wine might seem like the safer option, and in some ways it is. But do not be fooled — white wine is still acidic. That acidity etches your enamel, making it rougher and more porous. Over time, this can actually make your teeth more susceptible to staining from other foods and drinks, even if white wine itself does not stain as visibly.

Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it is not completely smooth. Under a microscope, it looks like a textured surface with tiny pores. When you drink wine, the acids in it soften that surface temporarily. During this time, chromogens slip into those pores and settle in. With repeated exposure, the staining builds up.

You do not have to give up wine entirely. Rinse your mouth with water between glasses to wash away pigments. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva, which helps neutralise acids. Using a straw, when practical, can reduce contact with your front teeth.

Professional teeth cleaning at your dentist removes surface stains effectively. If staining has built up over time, ask your dentist about polishing or whitening options that are safe and appropriate for your teeth.