Red wine may be good for the gums
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- Published: Sunday, 29 November -0001 23:58
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An experiment by researchers in Spain has shown that exposing human gingival cells to compounds found in red wine appeared to protect against microbes that cause plaque and cavities. The authors suggested the molecules should be tested as “preventative therapies” for various oral diseases. Here in the UK, Prof Walmsley urges caution.
The BDA's scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, said the study was "interesting" but it did not mean people should start drinking more. "In fact, the acidic nature of wine means that consuming a lot of these drinks will damage the enamel of the teeth," he said, "Therefore, until the benefits of this research are shown clinically, it is best to consume wine in moderation and with a meal to minimise the risk of tooth erosion."
Writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the scientists said the mixture made it harder for unwanted bacteria to stick to gingival cells. The effect was strongest when polyphenols were administered with a dose of ‘friendly’ Streptococcus dentisani bacteria.
However, Gunter Kuhnle, associate professor in nutrition and health at Reading university, said it was not possible to extrapolate the study results to the real world: the concentrations of polyphenols scientists dunked the cells in were about ten times higher than are typically found in red wine and the exposure lasted up to 47 hours — far longer than most people keep wine in their mouths.
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