New Study: Red Wine for Dental Health?

Red wine has previously been linked to a range of supposed health benefits, from helping the heart to lowering the risk of diabetes.  Now a new study suggests it contains chemicals that can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers found compounds from the drink, known as polyphenols, helped fend off harmful bacteria in the mouth.

The Findings

The study compared the effects of two polyphenols from red wine against grape seed and red wine extract supplements on bacteria that stick to teeth and gums and cause dental plaque, cavities and gum disease. They found the wine polyphenols and extracts all reduced the bacteria's ability to stick to the cells, but the polyphenols - caffeic and p-coumaric acids - were more effective. When combined with the Streptococcus dentisani - believed to be an oral probiotic, which stimulates the growth of good bacteria - the polyphenols were even better at inhibiting the pathogenic bacteria. The findings, they said, could ultimately lead to new dental treatments.

Planning to buy a case of wine? Hold your horses. In my opinion, the findings do not offer a "green light" to drink more red wine. First, the report's authors acknowledge that their study was limited by the fact it was done outside of the human body with cells that simulated gum tissue. They said further research was needed to determine more about what was causing the bacteria to be inhibited. The report also found metabolites which form when the digestion of polyphenols begins in the mouth could also be responsible for some of the effects in the study.

The Acid Problem

The acidic nature of wine means that consuming a lot of these drinks will damage the enamel of the teeth. Therefore, until the benefits of this research are shown clinically, it is best to consume wine in moderation and with a meal to minimize the risk of tooth erosion. For that matter, orange and lemon juices, which are high in polyphenols, can cause erosion when frequently introduced directly to your teeth. Red wine also stains, so your dental hygiene regimen should be diligent, and you may want tooth whitening to keep your smile bright.

Other Choices for Polyphenols

Previous studies have suggested that the health benefits of polyphenols are linked to them being antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals. Recent studies have also indicated that polyphenols might also boost health by working with "good bacteria" in our gut.  While red wine is rich in polyphenols, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says they are also found in a range of other beverages and foods:

   Beverages

• Coffee
• Green tea
• Black tea
• Cider
• Orange juice and lemon juice

   Foods

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Kiwis
• Black grapes
• Cherries
• Beans

Where I’d Prefer You Get Your Polyphenols

If you want to try to add polyphenols to aid in your dental health, I’d suggest green tea. It’s higher in polyphenols than red wine, and it also contains tooth-protecting fluoride.

But a glass of red wine once in a while is nice, too.

Keep smiling,  

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121