Study Reveals Wine May Protect Your Gums And Teeth

Do you have a habit to drink a glass of wine every night to relax? Benefits of wine are numerous. Studies have confirmed wine can protect our heart health and improve* other functions in our body.

The most recent research is, definitely, surprising. You see, wine intake can protect your oral health. Keep reading to find out more.

Wine and Oral Health
Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, wine is associated with different health benefits. Red wine owes its health effects to polyphenols, active compounds that are also found in many fruits and vegetables.

Most studies on health effects of wine revolve around cardiovascular health, but a team of scientists from Spain decided to do something different. They carried out a research whose primary objective was to inspect the impact of red wine polyphenols on oral health.

Scientists analyzed[1] the effect of two red wine polyphenols as well as red wine extracts and commercially available grape seed on bacteria that stick to gums and teeth. These bacteria cause periodontal disease, plaque, cavities, all of which are common oral health problems affecting most of us at one point or another.

For the purpose of this study, researchers used cells that model gum tissue and discovered that isolated wine polyphenols (p-coumaric and caffeic acid) performed much better than extract and grape seed on decreasing* the ability of bacteria to stick to gums and teeth.

Results, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry[2], revealed that a combination of red wine polyphenols and a potent oral probiotic Streptococcus dentisani, they were even more effective in protecting our teeth and gums.

Many dentists warn their patients to avoid all alcoholic beverages due to their acidic effect on gums and teeth, but wine isn’t like all the other drinks. Wine is rich in polyphenols which are potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and other threats in your body.

Scientists hope their discovery[3] will pave the way for toothpastes, sugar-free gums, and mouthwashes containing red wine polyphenols for maximum oral health protection. Remember, it’s a mistake to think that the more wine you drink, the better your dental health. Moderate consumption is vital, excessive intake could induce counterproductive effects.

Factors that Affect Oral Health
Numerous factors affect dental health and identifying them can help you avoid uncomfortable problems such as cavities, plaque, and others. Here is the list of the most common factors that can negatively affect your teeth and gums:

Smoking/tobacco use
Genetics
Some medications
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Overweight or obesity
Diet low in important nutrients
Sugary foods
Junk food
Heavy alcohol consumption
Systemic Connections
Health Risks Associated with Poor Oral Health
Strong teeth and gums aren’t just about appearance, they are vital for proper health and wellbeing too. What’s more, poor oral hygiene and problems affecting teeth and gums can contribute to numerous complications[4] including:

Diabetes
Heart disease
Pregnancy problems
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Inflammation
Lung conditions
Read Next: Beyond Teeth: What’s Inside Your Mouth To Care About?

Conclusion
Red wine is strongly associated with many health benefits. A growing body of evidence confirms it is beneficial for heart health and brain function. The latest research discovered that polyphenols from red wine can protect gums and teeth from bacteria that cause cavities, plaque, and periodontal disease.

Now, scientists hope their findings will be used to include red wine polyphenols into gums, mouthwashes, toothpaste that will improve* our dental health. Moderate consumption of red wine is vital.