Is Red Wine Secretly Good for Your Oral Health?
Any drinker of red will know that the consumption of wine tends to result in undesirable oral issues, such as stained teeth and a dry mouth. Though these effects are bothersome, they can quite easily be mitigated (for tips on how to avoid red wine mouth, check out our previous blog!), and then we must ask the question - what, if any, are the benefits of red wine to oral health? You’ll be as pleased to read as we are to report that there are, in fact, positive properties to red wine when it comes to your teeth and gums. Read on to find out how that glass of red in the evening might actually be helping you!
Amazing Antioxidants
Red wine contains antioxidant micronutrient compounds called polyphenols, found in the fermentation of grapes, which are known to help reduce the chances of developing cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. And antioxidants help to fight off free radicals, also helping to slow down the cellular aging process - which, aside from keeping you looking younger for longer, also helps to regenerate cells in the mouth, maintaining better oral health!
Say Bye to Bacteria
These same polyphenols work in the same ways to fight off bacteria in the mouth, helping to reduce plaque build-up and gum disease. But more than that, the specific properties of these antioxidants also stop bacteria from being able to stick to the surface enamel on teeth, which hugely reduces the formation of tartar and cavities!
Helping Your Heart (and Breath!)
It is often said that a glass of wine a day keeps the heart healthy, and this is due to a compound called resveratrol which has antioxidant properties that prevent damage to the blood vessels and reduce cholesterol, which makes it harder for clots to form in your arteries. Resveratrol has specific benefits in the mouth, too. Studies have found that it battles the specific bacteria which causes gingivitis and bad breath, reducing it by up to 60% - so not only does wine help to keep your blood pumping, but it also maintains fresher breath!
So there you have it! Red wine really does have benefits for oral health! But before you pour yourself a glass, remember the golden rules of wine consumption:
- Everything in Moderation
As with anything, this only works in moderation. Overall, doctors suggest that we should drink one or two glasses maximum per day, which is just enough to give you all the good benefits without suffering the ill-effects!
- Maintain Your Routine
As with any foods or drinks, the potential benefits must be balanced by the maintenance of a proper oral hygiene routine. Remember to ensure that you’re brushing and flossing twice a day every day to keep your teeth healthy and sparkling!
For more information, check out our previous blog on how alcohol affects your oral health!