Is Red Wine Good for Your Teeth?
Does Red Wine Help Prevent Cavities?
According to this article by the American Chemical Society, a new study has found that red wine, as well as grape seed extract, could potentially help prevent cavities.
Surely any food or drink that can help prevent cavities is good for our teeth right?
It seems both red wine and grape seed extract were successful in eliminating certain bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque and tooth decay.
The report, which appears in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, could lead to the development of natural products that ward off dental diseases with fewer side effects.
But that doesn’t mean we should just gargle some coconut oil or chug a few glasses of vino to protect our teeth and gums, seeing the dentist at least every six months will do more for our dental health than any oil pulling or wine drinking routine ever could.
Does Red Wine Help Protect Our Teeth?
As this is only preliminary research in a single study, these findings only further underline the importance of taking an overall health approach to oral health.
Of course the ‘ol everything in moderation saying goes without…well, saying.
Red wine has also been linked with heart health, but we wouldn’t add a few cigarettes to the mix and think all is well for a tip-top ticker.
Drinking red wine has been shown to be effective in reducing certain bacteria that lead to the development of dental plaque, but optimal oral health results from a daily dental hygiene routine of brushing & flossing in combination with maintaining regular visits to the dentist.
Adding a few glasses of the good stuff can perhaps complement the positive effects of proper oral hygiene, but certainly never replace the need for dental health diligence at home and the bi-annual dental office visit.
How Does Red Wine Promote Dental Health?
As the American Chemical Society research points out, an estimated 60 to 90% of the global population are affected by tooth loss, cavities, or periodontal disease.
The problems start when certain bacteria in the mouth get together and form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that are difficult to kill.
These biofilms then form plaque and produce acid, which starts damaging teeth.
Past research has suggested that polyphenols, grape seed extract and wine can slow bacterial growth, so the research team at ACS decided to test them under realistic conditions for the first time.
This led to the recent findings on red wine being effective at reducing the bacterial growth or preventing it altogether.
As quoted from the findings, the research team grew cultures of bacteria responsible for dental diseases as a biofilm.
They then dipped the biofilms for a couple of minutes in different liquids, including red wine, red wine without the alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water, and 12 percent ethanol for comparison.
The findings concluded that red wine with or without alcohol, and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at getting rid of the bacteria responsible for the formation of biofilms – and in turn plaque buildup, gum disease, cavities, & ultimately tooth loss.
Now If We Can Only Find A Study On How To Reduce The Stained Teeth Resulting From Drinking Red Wine
We could always corner the market and invest in wine straws as the next newest trend for wine connoisseurs.
Imagine drinking your next glass of velvety smooth exquisitely aged Bordeaux with the assistance of a straw…that would just be gauche now wouldn’t it?
To each his own, but for some more practical tips on reducing stained teeth syndrome while imbibing in your next glass of red, listen to what these two women have to say:
There’s also a helpful little known dental fact hidden in the video too, after eating (or drinking) acidic foods its best to actually wait at least 30 minutes before brushing our teeth.
This is because brushing actually pushes acid deeper into the enamel and dentin of your teeth and makes them more sensitive.
Got Any Other Tips For Reducing Stained Teeth Or Brightening Up That Red Wine Smile??
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This post originally appeared on Dental Patient News and has been republished with permission.
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