The effects of wine, tea and milk on dental health

There is no doubt that the most beneficial beverage for our dental health, and health in general, is water. In fact, it is the most consumed beverage worldwide. But it is far from the only one: it is followed by tea, coffee and beer. Whether for their taste, for their beneficial or stimulating effects, or for the simple pleasure of enjoying them in company, there are beverages other than water consumed daily by millions of people.

However, although the benefits of water are clear, what about the rest of the beverages? The Dental Geek published an article in which the results of various studies on the effects of wine, tea and milk on our oral health are presented. Obviously, this article discusses the effects of regular and moderate consumption, and without the presence of diseases, allergies or conditions that may make the beverage undesirable.

A glass of wine, better than a soft drink

Wine, especially red wine, contains several substances that have been found to be beneficial for oral health, according to different studies.

• Red wine contains antioxidants that prevent the bacteria responsible for dental plaque from reaching the gums^.1
• In addition, red wine can help prevent periodontal disease and tooth loss, as it fights three of the five bacteria responsible for periodontal disease^.2
• Both white and red wine help prevent the proliferation of streptococci, a type of bacteria associated with tooth decay^.3
• A component of wine, resveratrol, reduces the proinflammatory cytokines that cause gingivitis^.4

Thus, although water is still the healthiest option, if we feel like another type of beverage, it is better to opt for a glass of wine rather than, for example, a carbonated soft drink, if we want to avoid having a negative impact on our oral health.

When we talk about alcoholic beverages, we should always opt for a reduced consumption, since a continuous and intense consumption can affect the health of the mucous membranes leading to cancerous lesions or precancerous conditions.

Tea, the second most consumed beverage

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, only behind water. For this reason, its effects on oral health have been extensively studied.

• Green tea extract inhibits the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans, the main cause of caries and periodontitis^.5
• Green tea inhibits the activity of certain bacteria responsible for causing periodontal disease^.6
• Drinking a cup of green tea a day significantly reduces the risk of tooth loss^.7
• The oolong tea variety reduces tooth decay^.8
• Green tea polyphenols have an inhibitory effect on the growth and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma^.9

Therefore, and despite the temporary staining effect it may have on tooth enamel, moderate and regular consumption of tea has a positive effect on different aspects of oral health.

Milk, the great forgotten in our consumption

The consumption of milk in adults has declined in recent years, as many opt for vegetable-based drinks, which they consider healthier, or simply do without milk or milk substitutes. But milk also plays an important role in our oral health.

• A glass of milk contains approximately 300 mg of calcium, which is necessary for bone growth and for the development of healthy teeth, since bones and teeth accumulate 99% of the body’s calcium^{.10 This is}extrapolated to growing ages.
• A baby’s teeth begin to form while still in the womb, so it is recommended that the expectant mother consume between 1000 and 3000 mg of calcium per day^.11
• Milk helps to strengthen teeth and reduce acidity levels after consumption of cereals and other sweets^.12

So, what is the best beverage for our dental health? It is clear that water is the main one, but other beverages provide very interesting benefits, so the most advisable would be a combined, moderate and regular consumption. And the most important thing: Ask your dentist for advice if you notice any symptoms of a problem, as these drinks can help prevent some oral diseases, but they do not solve them and are not the only factor to be taken into account in their development.

What we do know for sure are the harmful beverages: All those with added sugars and carbonated beverages, including soft drinks and energy drinks. The latter have a high erosive power and consumed on a regular basis will inevitably cause tooth wear.

If you have any questions or want to know the state of health of your teeth, call us and ask for your visit with the specialist of the Ahoa Clinic. Health starts with your mouth!

Bibliography cited

1. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2018
2. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2014
3. Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, 2007
4. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 2015
5. Medical Principles and Practice, 2013
6. Medical Principles and Practice, 2013
7. Preventive Medicine, 2006
8. Caries Research, 1993
9. Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine, 2014.
10. Institute of Medicine US, 1997
11. Institute of Medicine US, 1997
12. Journal of the American Dental Association, 2013

Article sources: Ahoa, The Dental Geek.