Science Alert... Antimicrobial elements in red wine kill the bacteria that produce cavities.
A few months ago researchers in Spain discovered that grape seed extract can slow down the growth of bacteria, and decided to do a bit more research to see if wine actually had the same properties.
According to the Daily Mail 60 to 90 percent of the world’s population suffers from cavities and gum diseases. The problems, which if untreated lead to tooth loss, start when bacteria clutch together and form communities (biofilms) that are extremely hard to get off.
The scientists grew several cultures of mouth bacteria and then dipped the biofilms in red wine, red wine sans alcohol, red wine with grape seed extract, water and 12 percent ethanol. The three forms of red wine, reports NY Daily News, were the most effective at killing bacteria.
The results of the study, which was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, could help researchers develop mouthwashes and toothpaste that incorporate the antibacterial properties of red wine.
Before you pour that glass of Shiraz to confirm the results of this study, remember that red wine is famous for staining teeth too.