Red wine (tipple) contains components such as polyphenols. This is essential in preventing periodontal disease and also other serious gum diseases. Molecules that were found to affect the gums and the bone that surrounds and supports teeth were attacked and polyphenols is a vital factor in preventing it.
If not prevented the teeth moves away from its place and falls off. Statistics show that about 15 % of those aged 21 to 50 years suffer from periodontitis. This increases when one grows old. On the other hand it stains the teeth and excessive consumption of alcohol is linked with mouth cancer. The findings of this study were reported at the annual meeting in Florida of the American Association for Dental Research.Polyphenols have antioxidant properties and thereby protects the cells. The researchers said that these antioxidant properties of red wine polyphenols could be used in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases as well as other disorders.
But the threat of mouth cancer outweighs the benefits of red wine. As in UK mouth cancer is most common. Statistics show that about 600 new cases are detected each year which results to about 200 deaths. Professional wine-tasters suffer from tooth erosion. Dr Graham Chadwick, from Dundee Dental School and Hospital, said that excessive alcohol consumption causes tooth erosion and removal of enamel from the teeth.
