Red Wine Polyphenols Shown Highly Effective At Killing Harmful Oral Bacteria

Swiss and Spanish researchers have determined that the polyphenols in red wine and grape seed extract are effective in getting rid of the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, common problems globally. For the study, the researchers grew cultures of bacteria responsible for dental diseases as a biofilm. The biofilms were immersed for a few minutes in red wine, red wine without alcohol, red wine spiked with grape seed extract, and water and 12 percent ethanol for comparison. They found that red wine with or without alcohol and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at eliminating bacteria. The findings could lead to the development of natural products that prevent dental diseases with fewer side effects.