Red wine can deter bacteria from harming your teeth, according to Spanish researchers from Valencia and Madrid. This is a welcome development for many wine lovers around the world and to the 2.4 billion who have experienced tooth decay at least once in their lifetime. A Time Magazine report in 2015 notes that 190 million new cases of tooth decay are forecasted each year making this problem a rather common cause of discomfort for billions of people. 

Wine Can Save the Day

The Spanish study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that polyphenols in red wine have an anti-adhesive property that prevents harmful bacteria from latching on the teeth and gums. This is groundbreaking news because oral microbiota need to attach themselves to an initial surface first before a microbial monolayer is established. According to the scientists, the appearance of the microbial monolayer is then followed by migration of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Oral Health and Neglect

Oral health is not a priority for many people. In the Philippines, dental care is paid out of pocket and most only go to the doctor when tooth decay is already in its advanced stages.  According to the UP College of Dentistry, 7 out of 10 Filipinos have never visited a dental clinic in their lifetime. This is a sad note for dental care in the country but this isn’t different from other parts of the world. In Canada, where dental health is not a priority for the government, 6% of the population no longer have real teeth.

Bring in the Wine

This is not the first time for red wine to be in the limelight.  Due to its antioxidants, red wine is also good for the skin especially for people who have bouts of acne. In the 1970s, the link between moderate consumption of red wine and a healthy heart made the news.  The American Cancer Society also agrees that red wine is good for you. Because of the antioxidant quercetin that induces cancer cell death, red wine is highly recommended for those who have a family history of cancer. While physicians now have reservations regarding its other health benefits based on a 2017 report by the Washington Post, wine drinkers can be comforted by the fact that it is good for the teeth. Apart from that, wine, in general, can help you relax.