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Could Red Wine Help Prevent Cavities?

Among red wine’s many benefits, there has been another discovery that says red wine could help prevent cavities. It has been well documented that red wine helps the heart and heart conditions. Now, a study suggests that red wine helps prevent cavities based off research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealing that grape seed extract helps prevents cavities.

Cavities, gum disease and tooth loss are caused by the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. Together, they form “biofilms,” which are communities of bacteria that turn into plaque, produce acid, and are difficult to kill. The most damaging bacteria, called streptococcus mutants, live in the mouth and feed on sugar in the diet. In the research, red wine was found to contain antimicrobial elements that help kill bacteria in simulated lab tests.

To test the theory under realistic conditions, Spanish and Swiss scientists grew cultures of mouth-mimicking bacteria and dipped the biofilms in different liquids such as red wine, alcohol-free red wine, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, water an 12 percent ethanol. Of the different liquids, the three forms of red wine were the most effective at eliminating the bacteria. Researchers say their findings could be used to harness the cavity-fighting powers of red wine and incorporate them into products like mouthwashes and toothpaste.

Yet before you go racing to the bottle, remember there is always two sided to the same coin. Red Wine is also know to stain teeth as well. To avoid permanent stains on your teeth few tips can be followed:

• Drinking sparkling water.
• Eating high-fiber foods to loosen and scrub off the wine before it has a chance to stain.
• Skipping acidic white wine, which acts like sandpaper and strips teeth of their protective coating.
• Eat a hard cheese paired with the wine. It can act as a polish and wax for your teeth.

But all things said, you know what really helps prevent cavities? Daily brushing, flossing and biannual checkups with your dentist! Visit Dr. Tasneem Mahmood at Progressive Dental Houston to find your new dental home.