Red Wine Can Help Fight Tooth Decay

If enjoying a glass of red wine is part of your afternoon or evening ritual good for you as there is another reason to keep enjoying a sip or two of your favorite Pinot or Merlot.

How Does Wine Help Fight Tooth Decay?

Red wine may not have the best reputation when it comes to white teeth, however, it can protect your tooth’s integrity.

In an article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2018, researchers compared the effects of red wine and grapeseed extract supplements with two polyphenols in red wine on bad oral bacteria. This type of harmful bacteria sticks to your teeth and gums, which will lead to plaque, gum disease, and cavities. While all three of the substances affected the bacteria, the red wine had the most effect.

What came as a bigger surprise was that the polyphenols in the red when combined with good bacteria performed even better when it came to stopping the progress of harmful bacteria. Although the reason is still unclear, it could be the polyphenols in the red wine.

Wine Gum in our Future?

Although the jury is still out as to how wine can help oral health, it could lead to oral hygiene products that are infused with polyphenol. Don’t be surprised if you see wine infused mouthwash, toothpaste, and even chewing gum on your pharmacy shelves in the near future.

Of course, that glass of red wine isn’t the only thing you can consumer. Green tea, apples, blueberries, coffee, dark chocolate, and cherries are all rich in bacteria fighting polyphenols.

How Wine Can Help Find Cavities: A Cautionary Word

Although red wine may protect your mouth from a harmful bacteria invasion there can also be side effects. Breast cancer risk and recurrence increases with alcohol consumption.

If you are watching your weight be aware that even a small glass of Cabernet contains around 94 calories. A couple of glasses every night will begin to add up.

The tannins and acid in red wide can erode the enamel on your teeth, as the pigments in the red wine will stay on your teeth. If you like your teeth white, you will want to keep them clean. Just make sure you wait about a half an hour before you brush.

Not a Wine Drinker? You Can Prevent Cavities without Red Wine By:

• Cutting Back on Sugar
• Eating Nutrient Rich Foods
• Giving Oil Pulling a Try

Keeping your teeth healthy the natural way is what Dentistry for Health NY is all about. Call today for a no obligation dental checkup with your holistic dentist in health. There really is a connection between your mouth and your overall health.