A new study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry suggests red wine contains chemicals that can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. The study suggests compounds from the drink, known as polyphenols, helped fend off harmful bacteria in the mouth. But experts warned that the findings do not offer a "green light" to drink more red wine. Dr Blessing Anonye, a Research Fellow at Warwick Medical School, thinks this new research could contribute towards treating oral disease.

“Previous research demonstrated that red wine and grape seed extracts prevented the growth of different bacteria that causes oral disease.

"This new research went further to show that wine polyphenols inhibited the ability of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth to attach to gum cells when used alone or in combination with an oral probiotic.

"Furthermore, they revealed the ability of oral bacteria to process polyphenols and release metabolites which could aid in this process. This research has the potential of transforming the way that oral disease is treated”.

Dr Blessing Anonye, Research Fellow at Warwick Medical School, Microbiology & Infection, Biomedical Sciences

For further details contact
Nicola Jones, Media Relations Manager University of Warwick
07920531221 or N.Jones.1@warwick.ac.uk