Could Wine Be Fine For Your Teeth?

Research has shown that wine is good for your oral health.

Research has shown that wine can be bad for your teeth.

Research has shown…

Do you often wonder which is true? Or can wine be both good and bad for your teeth? Read on as your Ankeny, IA, family dentist, Dr. Ericka Peddicord clarifies the facts about wine and tooth health.

Red Wine: Pros and Cons

Pros: We already know there are certain health benefits associated with red wine. A Spanish study found that Tempranillo red grapes used in certain red wines can lower “bad” cholesterol. Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes used in red wines, may help diabetics regulate blood sugar levels, and keep your mind sharp. The antioxidants in red wine help reduce the risk of cardiovascular clotting, can help blood vessels remain flexible, lower sex hormones to protect against breast cancer, and so on and so forth. Red wine may even help slim your waist

Regarding oral health, the benefits of red wine include:

• Polyphenols in red wine can help limit inflammation caused by gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease., and that other chemicals in red wine called
• Proanthocyanidins, which are other chemicals in red wine and grapes, can prevent harmful oral bacteria from sticking to teeth, protecting against periodontal disease leading to tooth loss.

Cons:

• Tannins in red wine cause tooth stains especially after a period of time.
• The high acidic nature of wine can erode your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to harmful bacteria and decay.

White Wine

There have been numerous studies touting the pros and cons of red wine and oral health, but white wine has remained a mystery. Because of the tannins in red wine, it’s obvious that it can stain your teeth, but a recent study has shown that white wine can be more detrimental to your teeth than red wine.  A German research study analyzed the effects of eight red and white wines from Spain, Italy, France, and Germany to determine which wines had a more damaging effect on teeth. To conduct the study, teeth that had already been extracted from middle-aged men and women (ages 40 to 65) were soaked in the wines for up to two hours. The teeth were then viewed under a microscope. It was determined that the teeth left in red wines were less damaged than those left in the white wines. The white Pinot Grigio’s and Chardonnay’s wore away tooth enamel faster than the red claret’s and Merlot’s.

In summary, white wines can be more damaging to your teeth than red wines, but drinking wine in moderation is fine. After drinking wine, however, rinse with water to wash away acids and tannins, and wait before brushing your teeth. Tooth enamel is softened by exposure to acids, and brushing too soon can damage the enamel.

About Your Ankeny Dentist

Dr. Peddicord offers a complete range of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures as well as high quality dental prosthetics. Dr. Peddicord can answer your inquiries, and provide the services you need to maintain the health, beauty, and function of your teeth. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Erika Peddicord, please contact us at 515-963-3339. Our Ankeny, IA, office proudly provides general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients from Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge.