Red Wine, Charcoal, and Healthy White Teeth
written by Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, DDS of e.s.i. Healthy Dentistry
Everyone who loves red wine knows that there are potential cardiovascular and digestive benefits. They also know that it can result in stained teeth. Oftentimes people come up with ways to drink red wine to minimize contact with teeth so that there is less staining, like drinking through a straw. You would be surprised to know that there are new studies showing the polyphenols in red wine may actually help prevent dental decay and promote a healthy biome.
In a 2018 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study, it was found that these compounds work to prevent bacteria from adhering to cells which, in turn, protect against pathogenic bacteria. The metabolism of polyphenols is a result of salivary enzyme action in the mouth, which translates to oral benefits. Researchers found that these benefits include a decrease in dental plaque, cavities and periodontal disease. In addition, they help promote the colonization of potential oral probiotic species of Streptoccocus dentisani. The interaction of the bacteria found in the gut and red wine polyphenols can act as a preventive measure in promoting oral health, protecting teeth and gums.
Speaking of stained teeth, there are many toothpastes out there that claim they can whiten teeth. Some can get quite expensive. There are also do- it- yourself recipes out there that have a negligible cost. But do they work? Are there any side effects?
Whitening teeth is a function of concentration of the agent and the exposure time. It is also a function of any abrasive material. Some toothpastes whiten because they have an abrasive medium like silica. This is a safe material which acts like sand; it is fine little glass- like spheres, actually. By scrubbing this sandy, gritty material, we effectively remove some of the tough stains that get formed on the surface of our pearly whites. But scrubbing too much could wear down our enamel which can lead to sensitivity.
Other toothpastes have a detergent or chemical agent which removes stains. This could be Sodium Laurel Sulfate which is also found in some laundry detergents. Or it could be hydrogen peroxide. What about activated charcoal? This is definitely a current trend that has gone viral. The bottom line is that activated charcoal will certainly lift stains from teeth. It does this better on natural teeth compared to fillings, veneers or crowns. However, it will not actively whiten enamel. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, will. Most professional whitening products and treatments have some kind of peroxide in them. One thing to note regarding charcoal is that if you scrub it, it can be very abrasive and can erode or wear away your enamel. Charcoal will take away toxins which is good, but used on a regular basis, it will extract some of the necessary nutrients from our body by way of contact with the gums, cheeks, tongue, palate and lips, so you don’t want to overdo it.
Other substances that are mildly abrasive but safe are baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and sea salt. If you wanted to make your own toothpaste you may want to use coconut oil, Himalayan salt, hydrogen peroxide, xylitol, baking soda or calcium carbonate and peppermint for taste. This is a mixture that is safe to scrub with because these products will melt away. If you want to use activated charcoal, I would apply gently, leave for 5 to 10 minutes then wash away.
Always consult your physician and dentist when starting a new regimen. I raise a glass to your good health and dazzling smile.
