Approximately eight in every 10 adults in the United States has some form of gum disease -- also known as periodontal disease -- according to statistics from the American Dental Hygienist Association. Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that increases your likelihood of suffering from a number of chronic diseases, including oral cancer and heart disease. Compounds in red wine may help to combat periodontal disease.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused when certain species of bacteria in the mouth invade your gum line. To fight the infection, your body responds with inflammation. This is known as gingivitis. Over time, this inflammation causes the destruction of gum tissue and loosens the connection between gums and teeth -- a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontal disease. RIsk factors for gum disease include tobacco use, older age, use of certain medications and poor oral hygiene.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in grapes, red wine and cranberries. Antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals -- harmful molecules that harm healthy cells. Red wine is an especially abundant source of polyphenols, according to the National Cancer Institute. Red wine polyphenols can be consumed by drinking red wine or in the form of dietary supplements.
Connection
A review paper published in the June 2009 "Journal of Dentistry" concluded that polyphenols helped to combat gum disease in several animal and test tube research studies. Red wine polyphenols help to reduce gum disease by reducing the activity of free radicals. Free radical damage to the gums causes them to weaken and become more susceptible to infection. Also, a study conducted by Pavia University scientists and published in April 2010 issue of "Food Chemistry" found that red wine polyphenols helped to reduce the ability of Streptococcus mutans -- a type of bacteria that often infects gums -- to reside in the mouth.
Warnings
Although test tube and animal studies have found compounds in red wine to be protective against gum disease, no human studies have investigated the link between red wine and gum disease. Before consuming red wine or taking red wine extract supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure they are appropriate for you.
References
- "Journal of Dentistry"; Polyphenols, oral health and disease: A review; S Petti et al.; June 2009
- American Dental Hygienists Association: Oral Health-Total Health: Know the Connection
- National Cancer Institute: Red Wine and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
- "Food Chemistry"; Isolation of red wine components with anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm activity against Streptococcus mutans; M Daglia et al.; April 2010
Member Comments