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Red Wine and Dental Care- Who Knew it had Benefits?

Most people find their actions during the holiday season do not bode well for their overall health. Rather than dwell on the number of pounds you may gain while attending those Christmas parties, think about the benefits a glass of red wine can do for not only your body, but your teeth as well.

Researchers have long known about the benefits of red wine against heart disease. They then discovered how the compounds in red wine (polyphenols) help prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. Scientists have recently discovered the benefits red wine pose on your teeth. This holiday season, you can enjoy your glass of red wine all the more knowing that in addition to helping your heart, you're preventing against cavities and plaque buildup as well.
Many people avoid red wine because of the temporary staining it does to teeth. After a long night of cabernet sauvignon, it's not just the level of intoxication that makes others look like "red mouth."

White wine is in fact worse for your teeth than red. Contrary to common belief, white wine increases the teeth's ability to stain. Acidic beverages scratch at the outer surface of teeth, which increase the teeth's ability to stain by making them more receptive to chemicals with pigment in them.

The compounds in red wine (called polyphenols) have antioxidants and block a bacterial molecule that produces acid in the mouth. This acid erodes at tooth enamel and can lead to the development of cavities. The bacteria molecule (called glucans) also breaks down sugars that make the surface of the teeth sticky and prone to bacteria buildup. By blocking this molecule, the compounds in red wine prevent the buildup of bacteria, tooth decay, and cavities.

Polyphenols are molecules found in many plants. In fact, researchers found the same beneficial effects of the polyphenols from red wine exist in the compounds of cranberries. These polyphonols block the development of glucans and prevent bad bacteria from developing in the mouth.

After feeding rats the polyphenols from cranberry compounds, researchers found the acids and glucans in the animals were reduced by 70 percent. In addition, cavities were reduced by 45 percent.

While they may temporarily stain your teeth, red wine (in moderation) and cranberries carry long-term benefits for healthy teeth.

The results, published in the journal Caries Research, have led dental researchers to hope they can add these polyphenols to dental products such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
In other words, you may soon be using the compounds from red wine to enhance your daily oral hygiene habits.

Note that the benefits of red wine and cranberries only take place when consumed in moderation. Those who refrain from consuming alcohol should not start drinking red wine for these subtle benefits. In addition, the added sugar from things like cranberry cocktail outweigh the benefits of the molecules.

But do bear in mind, if you're worried about the color of your teeth in those Christmas photos, remember the benefits that red color is doing for your teeth!

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