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Red wine can help stop gum disease
30th Mar 2006
Chemicals in red wine can help prevent and treat gum disease, according to a study conducted in Canada. The participating scientists believe the polyphenols in the drink can block production of free radical molecules, which, at high levels can damage gum tissue.
The research, by Quebec's Université Laval, was presented to the American Association for Dental Research. However, dentists are warning of the other risks associated with drinking wine, and are keen to discourage people from thinking it is beneficial to their teeth.
The Canadian study suggests that polyphenols prevent the production of free radicals by subtly changing the composition of proteins within the cells that control their release. A major cause of teeth loss for millions of people all over the world is periodontitis, which destroys gum tissue.
To maintain healthy gums, it is considered important to keep free radicals at low levels, to prevent them from damaging the tissue. The bacteria that cause gum disease are believed to do so by stimulating immune cells to increase their free radical production. Earlier studies have suggested that the polyphenols present in red wine may help to cut inflammation, and may have the potential to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Dental experts in the UK are willing to accept that polyphenols can prevent worsening of the inflammation, but many have expressed doubts about their ability to block inflammation altogether.
According to Professor Liz Kay, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, (BDA), ‘This would not appear to show that red wine actually prevents periodontal disease. The sure way of doing so is to keep your mouth perfectly clean. That is achieved by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.’
Leigh Greenwood, of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), said that people should not be under the impression that drinking red wine is good for their teeth.
‘It is important to remember that the acidic content of red wine could cause other problems, such as dental erosion,’ said Greenwood. ‘The best way to guard against problems such as gum disease is to adopt a good oral healthcare routine, including twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and limiting sugary food and drink to mealtimes.’
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