We have long been taught that red wine is bad for ones teeth. However scientists claim that white wine could in fact be worse for ones teeth that red wine. New research contradicts the commonly held belief that ‘staining’ red wine causes more damage to teeth than white.
Merlot and Claret, are red grapes; it seems that Grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio can wear away enamel more quickly than these; which make teeth sensitive to hot and cold. Wines with a low pH, such as Riesling wines tend to have the greatest impact, but a rich red would be a ‘kinder’ tooth choice.
A team from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, examined wines from 4 countries, eight red and white wines from Germany, France, Italy and Spain. They analysed their effects on adult teeth removed from men and women aged 40 to 65. The teeth were soaked in both wines for duration of 24 hours. Much like the classic Coca Cola test we all try at least once as children!
After this time, significant mineral loss was found, including calcium and phosphorus in the enamel surface to the depths of up to 60 micrometers. The findings – reported in the journal Nutrition Research – also warn that excessive brushing immediately after alcohol consumption should be avoided as it could further harm the teeth.
Good news for after dinner wine and cheese enjoyers…researchers concluded that frequent consumption of white wine could lead to severe dental erosion but noted that eating cheese alongside sipping wine could help counter the acidic effect due to its calcium content.
‘The tradition of enjoying different cheeses for dessert, or in combination with drinking wine, might have a beneficial effect on preventing dental erosion since cheeses contain calcium in a high concentration,’ they said.
Sameer Jethwa GKT
