Red wine may be known for staining your teeth, but a new study suggests it may have a new redeeming benefit: fighting cavities.
Findings from a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that red wine – both with and without alcohol – could get rid of dental disease-causing bacteria in a lab setting.
When bacteria like streptococci and lactobacilli are introduced to plaque and biofilm on the teeth, the combination can produce high acid levels that erode the surface of teeth and eventually lead to toss loss and periodontal disease. Statistics estimate up to 60-90 percent of all people are affected by these oral diseases.
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Researchers used saliva samples from five volunteers to grow biofilms with disease-causing bacteria. The biofilms were dipped in a young Pinot Noir and an alcohol-free version that has grape seed extract added to it.
The combination of wine and grape seed extract were the most effective at fighting the bacteria.
“Our results show that red wine, at moderate concentration, inhibits the growth of some pathogenic species in an oral biofilm model,” the researchers write in their conclusion.
“These findings contribute to existing knowledge about the beneficial effects of red wines (one of the most important products of agriculture and food industries) on human health. Moreover, the promising results concerning grape seed extract, which showed the highest antimicrobial activity, open promising ways toward a natural ingredient in the formulation of oral care products specifically indicated for the prevention of caries, due to its antimicrobial properties.”
However, don’t go overboard “popping bottles” just yet. There are natural, non-alcoholic ways to keep your teeth healthy and combat bacteria. Try eating celery, pears and others foods that increase saliva production.
To read more about this study, click here.
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