Red wine compound could help tooth decay and gum disease

Red wine has previously been linked to a range of supposed health benefits, from helping the heart to lowering the risk of diabetes.

Now a new study suggests it contains chemicals that can help in the fight against tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers found 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.

Previous studies have suggested that the health benefits of polyphenols are linked to them being antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals. However, recent studies have indicated that polyphenols might also boost health by working with "good bacteria" in our gut. For this study, in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists looked into whether wine polyphenols might also be good for oral health.

Researchers compared the effects of two polyphenols from red wine against grape seed and red wine extract supplements on bacteria that stick to teeth and gums and cause dental plaque, cavities and gum disease. They found the wine polyphenols and extracts all reduced the bacteria's ability to stick to the cells, but the polyphenols - caffeic and p-coumaric acids - were more effective.

When combined with the Streptococcus dentisani - believed to be an oral probiotic, which stimulates the growth of good bacteria - the polyphenols were even better at inhibiting the pathogenic bacteria. The findings, they said, could ultimately lead to new dental treatments.

Red wine is rich in polyphenols but they are also found in a range of other drinks and foods.

• Drinks
• Coffee
• Green tea
• Black tea
• Cider
• Orange juice and lemon juice
• Foods
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Kiwis
• Black grapes
• Cherries
• Beans

Wine in moderation

The report's authors acknowledge that their study was limited by the fact it was done outside of the human body with cells that simulated gum tissue. And they said further research was needed to determine more about what was causing the bacteria to be inhibited. They said metabolites which form when the digestion of polyphenols begins in the mouth could also be responsible for some of the effects in the study.

The British Dental Association's scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, said the study was "interesting" but it did not mean people should start drinking more. "In fact, the acidic nature of wine means that consuming a lot of these drinks will damage the enamel of the teeth," he said. "Therefore, until the benefits of this research are shown clinically, it is best to consume wine in moderation and with a meal to minimise the risk of tooth erosion."

Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said the research was "interesting" but still "very preliminary". "However, the findings do not support drinking more red wine to stop people getting infections," he said. "There is no good evidence that drinking wine per se is overall good for health - on the contrary, more and more evidence from other sources now suggests the less wine or alcohol one drinks, the lower the risks of range of disease and the lower the mortality risks."

History of Gum Disease Increases Cancer Risk in Older Women

Postmenopausal women who have a history of gum disease also have a higher risk of cancer, according to a new study of more than 65,000 women.

The study, led by researchers at the University at Buffalo, is the first national study of its kind involving U.S. women, and the first to focus specifically on older women. It's also the first study to find an association between periodontal disease and gallbladder cancer risk in women or men. The findings were published today (Aug. 1) in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

"This study is the first national study focused on women, particularly older women," said Jean Wactawski-Wende, the study's senior author.

"Our study was sufficiently large and detailed enough to examine not just overall risk of cancer among older women with periodontal disease, but also to provide useful information on a number of cancer-specific sites," added Wactawski-Wende, dean of UB's School of Public Health and Health Professions and a professor of epidemiology and environmental health.

Read the full article at Science Daily 

Shark Teeth and Human Dental Biology

Shark teeth are interesting models for studying biology, but they are not a guide to treating human teeth. Research into tooth development does not mean people can replace lost adult teeth naturally or skip ordinary preventive care.

Updated October 1, 2026.

Can shark research explain how human teeth developed?

It can help researchers ask questions, but comparisons need care. A 2021 study summarized by the University of Bristol found that living shark relatives do not represent the ancestral dentition of all jawed vertebrates. Complex arrangements of teeth have changed repeatedly through evolutionary history.

Does this mean tooth regeneration is a treatment option?

The evolutionary study does not establish a treatment for patients. If you have a missing or damaged tooth, decisions should start with an examination and the options appropriate for your mouth. Our guide to dental implants explains one replacement option; a crown may be considered for some damaged teeth.

What is the practical lesson for dental care in Jacksonville?

Focus on protecting the teeth you have. Use fluoride toothpaste appropriate for your needs, clean between teeth, and arrange regular dental examinations. Biology research can improve understanding without changing what an individual patient needs today.

At our San Marco office, an examination connects your symptoms, medical history, and dental findings to a treatment plan. Contact CJ Henley, DMD if you have a tooth concern.

Research source

University of Bristol: the origins of a human smile (2021). This article consolidates the earlier shark-teeth and vertebrate-dentition posts.

FDA Approves Intranasally Administered, Needleless Dental Anesthetic.

UPI (8/26, Feller) reported in continuing coverage that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved Kovanaze, “a nasal spray anesthetic” for use during a restorative procedure “after it was shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials.” The FDA approved Kovanaze, which is a combination of tetracaine and the nasal decongestant oxymetazoline, “for use with patients over 88 pounds, though the company plans to investigate its use with children, as well as for other procedures.” The article noted that the results of the phase 3 trial are published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

        In a release carried on EurekAlert (8/25), the University of Pennsylvania stated Kovanaze “was deemed safe and effective in a recent Phase 3 clinical trial led by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine researchers.” Dr. Elliot V. Hersh, the study’s lead author and a professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pharmacology at Penn Dental Medicine, said, “This is obviously a great thing for needle-phobic individuals, and it can reduce inadvertent needle-stick injuries in the clinic as well.”

Periodontal Disease and Breast Cancer: Understanding the Possible Connection

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. While it is commonly discussed in the context of oral health, research over the past decade has explored whether chronic inflammation in the mouth may be linked to broader systemic conditions — including certain cancers.

Breast cancer is one area where a possible association has been studied. It’s important to approach this topic carefully: research suggests a potential link, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Still, the findings are worth understanding.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, marked by gum inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where inflammation leads to loss of bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth.

This condition is driven by:

• bacterial biofilm beneath the gums

• a sustained inflammatory immune response

• changes in the oral microbiome

Because periodontal disease is chronic and inflammatory, researchers have long questioned whether its effects extend beyond the mouth.

Why Inflammation Matters

Chronic inflammation plays a role in many systemic diseases. Persistent inflammatory signaling can influence immune function, hormone regulation, and cellular behavior throughout the body.

Periodontal disease contributes to:

• elevated inflammatory markers

• intermittent bacteremia (bacteria entering the bloodstream)

• immune system activation over long periods of time

These mechanisms are what prompted researchers to explore associations between gum disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

What the Research Suggests About Breast Cancer

Several large observational studies have reported an association between periodontal disease and an increased incidence of breast cancer. Importantly:

• These studies show correlation, not causation

• Periodontal disease does not cause breast cancer

• Many shared risk factors exist, including smoking, inflammation, hormonal influences, and immune response differences

Some researchers hypothesize that chronic oral inflammation or changes in oral bacteria may influence systemic inflammatory pathways. Others suggest periodontal disease may simply be a marker of overall inflammatory burden rather than a direct contributor.

At present, no evidence supports the idea that treating periodontal disease prevents breast cancer — but maintaining oral health remains an important part of overall wellness.

What This Means for Patients

The takeaway is not fear — it’s perspective.

Good periodontal health:

• reduces chronic inflammation

• supports immune system balance

• protects oral structures long term

• contributes to overall health awareness

For patients with a history of cancer, those undergoing treatment, or those managing complex medical conditions, maintaining healthy gums is especially important. Cancer therapies can affect oral tissues, saliva production, and healing capacity, making prevention and early management essential.

Oral Health as Part of Whole-Body Care

Dentistry does not exist in isolation from the rest of the body. Periodontal disease is one example of how oral health and systemic health intersect — not through simple cause-and-effect relationships, but through shared biological pathways.

Understanding these connections allows care to be more thoughtful, individualized, and preventative rather than reactive.

A Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Approach

Claims about oral health and cancer should always be evaluated carefully. Sound care is grounded in evidence, context, and restraint — not headlines or fear-based messaging.

Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of long-term health, but it is one piece of a much larger picture that includes genetics, lifestyle, medical care, and preventive screening.

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About the Author

CJ Henley, DMD, is a dentist in private practice in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, Florida. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, he has served as Courtesy Faculty for his alma mater and is a former President of the Northeast District Dental Association.

Beyond private practice, Dr. Henley serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he collaborates with oncologists and specialists to manage the complex oral health needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment. He is dedicated to an evidence-based approach that recognizes the vital connection between periodontal health and whole-body wellness.

Reviewed and updated January 2026