You might have heard the cautionary tales revolving around wine and your teeth. Wine, after all, tends to be pretty acidic, and acid can harm the enamel of your teeth. But, have you heard that there might be some positive aspects to this beloved beverage, too?
As it turns out, research indicates that the polyphenols (compounds) found in red wine can actually battle the bad bacteria that can cause the tooth decay that’s known to create cavities and other oral health issues.
The Role of Polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in wine, which have long been associated with positive overall health when consumed in moderation. It hasn’t been until recently, however, that researchers began looking at the positive effects these polyphenols can have on a person’s tooth and gum health. As it turns out, the polyphenols found in red wine have been shown to prevent plaque-causing bacteria from sticking to gum tissue.
What Does This Mean?
According to the Academy of Periodontology, half of Americans aged 30 and over have periodontitis. This equates to approximately 64.7 million Americans. Periodontitis (also known as gum disease) occurs when the gums become inflamed as a result of infection. Periodontitis begins as gingivitis, which can be reversed with regular visits to your dentist for semi-annual professional cleanings. If gingivitis is left untreated, the plaque that causes the situation will begin to harden, turning into a substance called tartar. Tartar then further introduces bacteria into the gums and blood system, thereby triggering inflammation as the body’s natural response to the harmful, intrusive colonies of bacteria.
When the polyphenols prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and gums, it means you’re one more step away from decay. Decay happens when this bad bacteria sticks to your teeth and gums, creating colonies that grow and grow, eating away at your tooth enamel and infusing your gum tissue with cells that aren’t organic to the human body.
Wine in Conjunction with Good Oral Health Practices
As the dental clinic Montreal patients come to when they’re searching for answers, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Wine alone certainly isn’t the answer to great oral health.
If you’re searching for the dental clinic Montreal patients trust with their oral health questions, Dr. Retter and his team are here and happy to serve. Learn more about our services and the technologies we use at Retter Dental Care today!
