Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in wine and sweets, but your teeth might not feel the same romance. According to Dr. Nicholson of The Smile Suite, protecting your smile is all about timing and TLC. "Enjoy your wine and candy in one sitting to avoid them from lingering for too long on your teeth," she advises. Afterward, give your mouth some love with a floss, Waterpik and electric toothbrush routine just before bed. And remember, spit, don’t rinse—this allows the toothpaste’s active ingredients to work their magic overnight, giving you a fresh, healthy smile while you sleep!
Now, let’s ditch the guilt and have some fun! Dr. Nicholson’s favorite wine and candy pairings are sure to satisfy. The possibilities are endless! So sip, smile, and savor every moment.
Whispering Angel & Twizzlers
Whispering Angel's delicate notes of white flowers, strawberries, watermelon, and mixed berries complement Twizzlers' sweetness, creating a playful contrast between the wine's light, fruity profile and the candy's bold, chewy texture.
Tip: Sticky candies cling to teeth longer, making them harder to remove. Brush or floss promptly to minimize their impact and reduce the risk of lingering effects on your teeth.
Cabernet Sauvignon & Snickers
Cabernet Sauvignon's dark fruit flavors of blackberry and plum, along with its oak spice, balance the sweetness of the caramel and complement the nutty richness of the Snickers.
Tip: Use whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter strips to tackle extrinsic stains from wine and sweets. For a more effective solution, consider Dr. Nicholson's in-office whitening treatments to restore your smile’s brightness.
Prosecco & Nerds Clusters
Prosecco can pair well with Nerds Gummy Clusters because the bubbly wine's slight sweetness and crispness can cut through the candy's tartness and sugary sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing combination.
Tip: Opt for candies made with xylitol, which is anti-cariogenic and fights cavity-causing bacteria. Sugar alcohol based candies are also tooth-friendly but may be tougher on your stomach.
Pinot Noir & Reese's
Pinot Noir is a great wine to pair with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups because the wine's earthy flavors complement the peanut butter's savory taste and the milk chocolate's light sweetness. For best results, serve the pinot noir at a cooler temperature, around 55–60°F, to highlight its berry and spice flavors
Tip: Red wine can cause surface stains on teeth. To prevent this, rinse with water after enjoying dark wines to wash away pigments and reduce the risk of staining.