Will a glass of red wine keep tooth decay at bay?
For those who value their super-bright smile, it has always been the drink to avoid.
But red wine could actually be good for your teeth, scientists have claimed.
They have found it contains chemicals that could ward off decay by stopping harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth.
The findings, due to be published in the journal Food Chemistry, suggest a daily glass of red could help to keep teeth healthy and reduce the need for fillings.
In contrast, a recent study showed white wine could damage dental health because its high acid content erodes the enamel that coats the surface of a tooth.
Red wine, when drunk in moderation, is already thought to have a protective effect against heart disease and some forms of cancer.
But in recent years, scientists have also been investigating whether it could help to prevent dental decay. Last year, a team of U.S. researchers discovered that chemicals found in large quantities in the discarded seeds and skins of grapes pressed to make wine blocked the ability of corrosive bacteria to bind with tooth enamel.
The most damaging bacteria, called streptococcus mutans, live in the mouth and feed on sugar in the diet.
Once it sticks to the enamel, the organism triggers a process called demineralisation, where acid starts to punch holes in the teeth.
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