Good News about Wine for the Dentist!

By now, many Americans know that wine is considered a heart-friendly beverage when consumed in moderation. But did you know that a recent study reveals that consuming both white and red wines can also help reduce dental bacteria in much the same way a mouthwash like Scope or Listerine does? 

The authors of this study, recently reported at MSNBC, agree that wine had surprising antibacterial properties that worked to reduce the mouth germs that can cause buildup of tooth plaque and the occasional sore throat, too. Now that's something to smile about! Apparently, this dental effect is due to the organic compounds present in wine as opposed to its ethyl alcohol, which is the type of alcohol present in all alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and vodka. Ethyl alcohol has many healthy benefits in and of itself, as do the antioxidant polyphenols (color-causing compounds) present in red wine. 

But before you start gargling with grigio or swishing Sancerre in lieu of your Colgate or Crest, remember that red wine can also stain teeth and that the acidity of wine can strip tooth enamel in the same way that orange juice can. The familiar moral of the story, folks? When consumed in moderation, wine is simply good for your health in a host of ways that other alcoholic beverages are not. Sip wise and sip well -- your heart and apparently your teeth will thank you for it!