There are many contradicting studies concerning red wine and its impact on oral health. One side insists that red wine is great for your teeth, and the other says different. Here, we condense those findings into an easily comparable format.

1. What is the deal
with red wine?

2. We have noticed
somewhat conflicting
information about the
effects of red wine on oral
health. Next are two
samples of what we
mean.

3. Red Wine May Have Cavity-Fighting Powers [1]
From the article:
Red wine may have effects on teeth beyond giving them a
funny hue: A new study suggests it could also have potential
in warding off cavities.
The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food
Chemistry, showed that red wine was able to get rid of
dental disease-causing bacteria in a lab setting.
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/24/red-wine-cavities_n_5365972.html

4. Red Wine May Have Cavity-Fighting Powers [1]
Spanish researchers used a young Pinot Noir for the study,
as well as a de-alcoholized version of the wine, which is a
type of the wine that had grape seed extract added to it,
and a solution of water with 12 percent ethanol (the positive
control). Researchers also gathered saliva samples from five
volunteers in order to grow biofilms with dental disease-
causing bacteria.
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/24/red-wine-cavities_n_5365972.html

5. Red Wine May Have Cavity-Fighting Powers [1]
The researchers dipped the biofilms into the different liquids
to see their effects on the bacteria. They found that the red
wine (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), as well as wine
spiked with grape seed extract, effectively got rid of the
bacteria.
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/24/red-wine-cavities_n_5365972.html

6. Red Wine May Have Cavity-Fighting Powers [1]
They noted that ethanol — which is in wine — is known to
be antimicrobial, but that even the non-alcoholic wine had
effects in reducing bacteria.
“Since treatments of the biofilm with both wine and
dealcoholized wine inhibited F. nucleatum growth, it was
likely that other wine components — apart from ethanol —
had antimicrobial properties against this bacteria species,”
the study said.
[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/24/red-wine-cavities_n_5365972.html

7. Red Wine may not be so Good for Oral Health
From the article:
Red wine may be good for your overall health but not so
much for you oral health.
and here is a recent headline from Dentistry Today:

8. Red Wine may not be so Good for Oral Health
The acidity of red wine leaves a mark on your teeth and over
time that takes its toll. A survey released recently showed
that only 16 percent of people are concerned with oral
health implications when drinking alcohol. This is a problem
based on the fact that many alcoholic drinks are filled with
sugar and possess high acidity levels.
and here is a recent headline from Dentistry Today:

9. Red Wine may not be so Good for Oral Health
Acidic drinks attack enamel, making teeth more susceptible
to bacteria. Sparkling wines or Champagne are the worst
offenders of attacking teeth, which is why it’s better to drink
a flat drink than a fizzy drink based on lesser carbonation.
and here is a recent headline from Dentistry Today:

10. Red Wine may not be so Good for Oral Health
Acidic drinks are a major problem for teeth during the
summer, when people are more likely to drink acidic fruit
punches or attend celebrations where they will drink
Champagne. Drinking water between drinks may help to
curb the adverse effects of acidic alcoholic drinks.
and here is a recent headline from Dentistry Today:

11. Red Wine may not be so Good for Oral Health
There are many drinks—in addition to red wine or port—
that stain teeth. Coffee-based cocktails or spirits mixed with
dark juices also have the same negative impact on teeth. It’s
essential to brush thoroughly after consuming these
beverages when enough time has passed, preventing
brushing from doing more harm than good.
and here is a recent headline from Dentistry Today:

12. So which is it?
For many years the benefits of drinking moderate amounts
of red wine for heart heath have circulated. Recent studies
suggest that the consumption of wine may inhibit the
growth of certain bacteria in the biofilm. However, the
acidic nature of wine (pH of between 2.9-3.9) suggests to us
that the trade-off of a slight antimicrobial effect on some of
the bacteria is going to be the effects of the very low pH on
the biofilm.

13. According to the ADA “the study actually found that red
wine with or without alcohol had no effect on the growth of
Strep Mutans, the bacteria associated with caries.” In
addition, we know that there are good bacteria that can
turn bad (acidic) if remaining at a low pH.

14. So what do we think?
So what do we think? Everything in moderation. Be smart if
you choose to drink wine or any other alcoholic beverage. It
is a good idea to swish with water or use a mouth spray
with xylitol after the pH has been lowered in the mouth.
Enjoy your wine, but be aware of the risks!

15. What do you think? Do you drink wine for its health
benefits?

16. Have any questions? Just ask!
Source: carifree.com/blog