Red wine is good for the gums

by Nicole Weston, Posted Mar 12th 2006 @ 11:38AM

Red wine still isn't the best drink for teeth because, like coffee, it can stain the enamel. But new studies show that it may help fight and prevent gum disease, periodontitis. Canadian scientists say that the antioxidant properties of polyphenols in red wine can fight the free radicals released by the bacteria that cause gum disease. This will reduce inflammation and decrease the severity of the disease, though there has not been a conclusive link shown between wine drinkers and a reduced risk of periodontitis yet. For non-drinkers, these same polyphenols have been found in cranberry juice, as well as red wine.

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Filed Under: Science, Drink Recipes
Tags: cranberries, dentist, gum disease, gums, juice, oral health, red wine, RedWine, teeth, wine

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-12-2006 @12:00PM cybele said... Researchers have also known since the early eighties that chocolate contains similiar anti-tooth decay properties, though they're not sure weather it's offset by the high sugar content.

http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/Basics/Health/dentalcaries.asp

I believe dental researchers have been working on creating mouthwashes that contain just the positive compounds in both chocolate and grapes.
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