Red wine and grape seed extracts can help prevent cavities, a new study shows.
Researchers said that the findings might lead to the making of natural products that protect against dental diseases with fewer side effects.
A recent study showed that polyphenols, grape seed extract and wine can slow bacterial growth. In order to find this, researchers conducted tests. Researchers grew cultures of bacteria responsible for dental diseases as a biofilm and then dipped them for a couple of minutes in different liquids, including red wine, red wine without the alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water and 12 percent ethanol for comparison. Researchers found that red wine with or without alcohol and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective in getting rid of the bacteria.
Dental cavities are common problems faced by people around the world. Around 60 to 90 percent of the global population is affected by the cavities, periodontal diseases and tooth loss. Researchers explained in a press release that the problem starts when certain bacteria in the mouth get together to form biofilms that results in plaque and acid that damage teeth.
They also said that fluoride in toothpaste and other method have limited effect in preventing cavities and the antimicrobial rinses also are not good for the gums they change the color. Also it leads to alteration in taste. The report will be published in the ACS' 'Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry'.
