Wine is a favorite beverage of many people, and the various studies indicating wine’s heart healthfulness have been greeted with cheers. However, while the antioxidants in certain wines may be good for your heart, it doesn’t speak as to whether wine is good for your teeth or not.
WINE’S NEGATIVES
Wine is a highly acidic beverage, meaning simply drinking wine can erode the enamel of your teeth. The loss of your teeth’s protective enamel can cause the teeth to yellow and stain, and it can also let in the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
WINE’S POSITIVES
Study after study has shown that drinking wine reduces the risk of a multitude of diseases, from heart disease to cancer. What have studies shown about wine’s benefits for oral health? One 2014 joint study by Spanish and Swiss researchers showed that wine can destroy the bacteria-filled biofilm that usually covers teeth between brushings. Without the bacteria in the biofilm, cavities cannot form.
THE CONCLUSION ON WINE
It’s impossible with the current data to ensure that wine’s positives outweigh the negatives. However, drinking wine likely won’t be an issue for your oral health as long as you follow one rule: drink in moderation. Even the studies showing wine’s heart health benefits were based on one or two glasses of wine a day at most; after that, any more wine and the benefits were lost. Drink water after drinking wine to help remove the acids from your teeth, and don’t brush too soon after consuming wine; it can spread the acid around your teeth. Lastly, if you have any concerns about tooth discoloration or lost enamel, discuss your concerns with your dentist.
This column is sponsored by Midtown Dental.
BIO: Dr. William Nerestant received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Detroit/Mercy School of Dentistry in Michigan. After serving and being recognized for his meritorious service in the Air Force as an officer in the Dental Corps, he currently serves patients at Midtown Dental in Lakeland. For more information, visit mymidtowndental.com or call (863) 226-0987.