Red wine polyphenols reduce gum disease

Research With Live Tissue May Reveal How Red Wine Polyphenols Reduce Gum Disease

I have a question for wine drinkers specifically those of you who may drink red wine on a regular basis: How are your gums?

That’s not a hypothetical question. I really want to know.

Researchers from Laval University in Quebec report that the antioxidant polyphenols in red wine may neutralize a compound that weakens tissue and leads to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. They believe that polyphenols will also help reverse the effects of inflammation, typical of gum disease.

In a presentation at the American Association for Dental Research earlier this month, study leader Dr. Fatiha Chandad told the Toronto Star that future research with live tissue may reveal how red wine polyphenols reduce gum disease.

That’s fine, and I’ll look forward to Dr. Chandad’s continued work. But it occurred to me that quite a bit of red wine is being applied to the live tissue of gums every day. In fact, it even happens right in my own home occasionally.

So what about it, wine drinkers? I’d like to hear from HSI members who are wine aficionados, sommeliers, viticulturists – in other words, anyone who has a glass of red wine on a regular basis. Drop us a line and let us know a little bit about your dental health, and I’ll follow up in a future e-Alert. Of course, all replies will be strictly confidential.

Sources:
“Red Wine Touted as Good for Gum Health” Joseph Hall, Toronto Star, 3/11/06, thestar.com