On occasion, do you enjoy a glass of red wine with your meal? If yes, you may have noticed how the drink leaves your smile stained red, which may have left you questioning whether or not it is healthy for your smile. While you may have already know that red wine could be good for your heart and brain, you may not have known that it can be good for your smile, too. A recently conducted study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry hasfound that red wine may have some benefits for your smile’s health. Since your oral health is linked to your overall health, it can benefit your all-around health.
Polyphenols and Your Mouth
Most of the discovered health benefits of red wine come from polyphenols, which are micronutrients with antioxidant properties. Polyphenols can help protect against action of free radicals, unstable atoms that can play a part in your body’s cellular aging process. Polyphenols are like nutritional superheroes with a utility belt full of secret weapons. One secret weapon is their impact on gut bacteria. When polyphenols get absorbed into the small intestine, they can interact with gut microbiota to fight off some of the harmful bacteria. In the Journal’s recent study, it was hypothesized that polyphenols found in red wine and in grapes could have a similar, protective effect in the mouth’s ecosystem as the one on the gut. Meaning red wine could provide protection against the harmful oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Oral Bacteria
The study compared the effects of two types of polyphenol found in red wine, as well as types found in other forms of grapes, on three harmful oral bacteria: Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The study tested on a laboratory model of gum tissue, and it was found that the two red wine polyphenols were the most effective at repelling harmful oral bacteria and preventing them from attaching to healthy tissue.
Red Wine Can Be Good for Your Smile
Red wine may help repel harmful oral bacteria. To schedule a consultation with your dentist, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.