As the saying goes, we are what we eat; there’s certainly some truth to that, although we should also add what we drink. According to recent research findings, polyphenols may offer benefits for oral health.
1. Where can we find polyphenols that support oral health?
Although they can be found in other foods, the Institute for Food Science Research (CIAL) has conducted several studies focusing on red wine. It has long been said that having a glass of wine with a meal aids digestion. It appears that polyphenols also offer benefits for oral health.
Specifically, polyphenols help eliminate bacteria in the mouth. Once we get rid of them, the risk of developing tooth decay and other gum diseases is reduced.
Researchers also caution, however, that their study does not imply that consumption of this beverage should be increased. Just as certain foods provide benefits for the prevention of various diseases, red wine contains polyphenols that support oral health.
2. What exactly do polyphenols do for oral health?
It appears that the beneficial properties of polyphenols for oral health stem from the fact that they are antioxidants. These are characterized by their ability to prevent premature cellular aging by eliminating free radicals.
In addition, polyphenols may actively interact with bacteria in the gut. This is similar to what happens in plants, which produce this substance to prevent infections.
Grape and red wine extracts were used in the study. The conclusion reached was that the effectiveness of polyphenols for oral health was enhanced by p-coumaric and caffeic acids. And when combined with an oral probiotic, beneficial bacteria are increased in turn.
These new findings open the door to a promising future for the dental sector. Keep your training up to date with the training offerings from Inspiria.
