Red Wine May Be Effective Against Caries-Causing Bacteria

Red Wine May Be Effective Against Caries-Causing Bacteria

While the evidence

is mixed regarding red wine’s role in supporting heart health, fresh research

suggests its components may provide caries prevention benefits. A new study, “Red

Wine and Oenological Extracts Display Antimicrobial Effects in an Oral Bacteria

Biofilm Model,” conducted by researchers from the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid, found that

red wine, grape seed extract, and polyphenols inhibited biofilm production in

the oral cavity.  

While previous

studies have explored the singular benefits of red wine, grape seed extract,

and polyphenols, this study tested their ability to slow bacterial growth in a

controlled, comparative environment. Cultures of Actinomyces oris, Fusobacteriumnucleatum, Streptococcus oralis, S. mutans, and Veillonella dispar bacteria were grown, and each was dipped into a

different liquid solution. Tested solutions included red wine, red wine without

alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water with 12% ethanol. Evaluation

of the cultures revealed that red wine, red wine without alcohol, and red wine

with grape seed extract were most successful at reducing plaque-containing

bacterial loads.  

The paper was

published online in May by the Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The authors suggest these findings support

further investigation into the addition of natural ingredients, such as grape

seed extract, to oral health care products to strengthen their caries-fighting

capabilities.  

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter

June 2014