Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/918844
150 WINES&VINES January 2018 WINEMAKING • Avoid other mouthwashes, which are generally acidic. Mouthwash often is used after tasting as a replacement for brushing teeth, but acidic products can do more harm than good. • Chew recaldent (calcium phosphopeptide) or sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva production to neutralize acid. • Apply Tooth Mousse, Colgate Neutrafluor 5000 Plus or other remineralizing agents before bed using spit-and-not-rinse method. Stained teeth Wine tannins can form complexes with calcium and proteins bound to the tooth surface and stain the tooth. Brushing can remove/polish off some discoloration, but it is important to avoid brushing when teeth are still soft and in a demineralized state after tasting. Use of whitening toothpaste can have a bleaching action, but it may increase tooth sensitivity. Dentists can professionally remove stains and also apply transparent resins to prevent teeth staining after cleaning. Gum recession Regular vigorous brushing or scrubbing to re- move stains can result in gum erosion and expo- sure of the roots of the tooth that are at greater risk of decay or erosion (depending on the pH level). 3 Note that gum erosion is more commonly linked to gingivitis or gum disease, via the buildup of bacteria in plaque that causes gums to become inflamed and bleed during brushing, or later, when the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, leaving small spaces between teeth and gums. A dentist is the best person to determine the cause of gum recession. Longer term prevention Longer term preventative strategies include visiting a dentist at least once per year and hav- ing a preventive plan in place. Annual topical fluoride applications also are recommended, as with regular home application of remineralizing agents such as fluoride and CPP-ACP products. Factors exacerbating erosion should be con- trolled (such as wearing a night guard for sleep- related tooth grinding and medical management of gastric reflux). Geoff Cowey is senior enologist at the Australian Wine Research Institute. Dr. Sarbin Ranjitkar is a senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide School of Dentistry. This text was edited from original publication in The Australian Wine Research Institute Technical Review #230, October 2017. Dr. Diane Hunt and Dr. John McIntyre from the School of Dentistry at the University of Adelaide are acknowl- edged as the authors of source material drawn upon in preparing this article. For leaflets on tooth care, please visit adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/dperu/special. The references for this article are available online at winesandvines.com/features. Winery Online Marketing System Grower Online Marketing System Brewer Online Marketing System Distributor Market Service Distillery Database Custom Data Reports REACH MORE DECISION MAKERS • WINES & VINES DATA SERVICES winesandvines.com • winesandvines.com/databases