Can Red Wine Help Prevent Cavities?

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion in the media with regard to red wine and the effects if may have on oral health. If you’re a red wine fan, you may have been encouraged by many of these reports, several of which touted the benefits of the beverage and how it might actually have properties that help to prevent cavities.

Unfortunately for you red wine lovers, that is not the case. For whatever reason, these media reports are incorrect. Most of them site a laboratory study first published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. However, contrary to what many journalists have reported, this study actually found that red wine, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, had no effect whatsoever on the bacteria associated with formation of cavities.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy an occasional glass of red wine if you choose to, of course. It just means that it won’t help to prevent cavities. As it turns out, the practices that are most effective in good oral health are just those that you would expect: brushing at least twice a day; flossing at least once a day; and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for professional cleanings and oral exams. There are a few other practices that might help as well – such as eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding too many sugary foods or snacks.

So enjoy your next glass of red wine, but don’t consider it a part of your oral health care routine!

Make an appointment today with Austin TX dentist, Dr. John Glennon — Call (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/is-red-wine-good-for-your-teeth