Good news wine drinkers.
A new study suggests that drinking wine may protect teeth by destroying the bacteria that causes cavities, gum disease — even bad breath.
This news comes after many years of warnings about wine’s acidic content, which was previously shown to damage teeth. The current study, however, reveals that antioxidants in wine significantly prevents bacteria from sticking to gums.
Researchers say red wine, specifically, offers that antioxidant power teeth need to keep healthy.
Coming Soon: Wine Mouthwash?
Since not everyone likes to consume wine, scientists are thinking about ways to deliver the wine’s antioxidants to people orally. A few ideas floating around: Wine-inspired mouthwash and chewing gum.
“Working with cells that model gum tissue we found the two wine polyphenols – caffeic and p-coumaric acids – were generally better than the total wine extracts at cutting back on the bacteria’s ability to stick to the cells. So, delivery methods for these compounds to treat oral disorders should be optimized,” said Dr Moreno-Arribas, a Spanish researcher.
The findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Wine Shown to Also ‘Clean’ the Brain
On a related note, research released earlier this year also suggests a couple of glasses of wine a day not only clears the mind but cleans it too.
Mice exposed to the equivalent of around two-and-a-half glasses a day are more efficient at removing waste products from the brain that are associated with dementia, a study found.
Lead author Dr Maiken Nedergaard from the University of Rochester, said: “Prolonged intake of excessive amounts of ethanol is known to have adverse effects on the central nervous system. However, in this study we have shown for the first time that low doses of alcohol are potentially beneficial to brain, namely it improves the brain’s ability to remove waste.”
The researchers did not mention whether red or white wine is most effective at ‘cleaning’ the brain but add other types of alcohol, including beer, would likely have the same impact.
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.