No one really needs a reason to drink.

Especially these days.

But if you’re looking to make yourself feel a little bit better about downing that third glass of wine, then just tell yourself it’s for your oral health.

A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that wine helps to fight dental plaque and illness of the throat.

And don’t worry, you don’t have to choose between reds or whites.

They both work in this case. Unfortunately, the study didn’t mention rosé.

“Wine contains a number of biologically active compounds with beneficial effects on human health,” the study explained. ” Findings show that wine is active against oral streptococci and S. pyogenes and suggest that it enhances oral health.”

The study found that commercial red and white wines contain antibacterial compounds.

Among these illness-fighting compounds are succinic, malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and acetic acid.

These compounds help combat the growth of oral bacteria.

This is the kind of oral bacteria that causes a sore throat, dental plaque, and other oral and throat issues.

The wine basically acts as a disinfectant.

It had been previously thought that the alcohol and acidity of the wine were what was fighting off all that mouth bacteria.

However, this recent study found that those organic compounds have antibacterial elements.

A 1988 study tested the antibacterial properties of beer, wine, water, and skim milk.

Guess which one had the least amount of live bacteria in it?

Yup, wine! The wine was apt at killing E. coli, salmonella, and shigella.

The most recent study concluded that organic compounds are responsible for killing 99.9 percent of the dental bacteria and germs that will give you a sore throat or gum disease.

But just don’t drink wine right after you brush your teeth!

It has the potential to soften the protective enamel on your teeth. So, it’s best to wait about 20 minutes before you brush after you drink.

“Sipping or holding acidic drinks in the mouth before swallowing increases the risk of erosion on dental enamel,” Dr. David Bartlett of the Academy of General Dentistry said.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about wine having health benefits.

Wine is known to aid in heart health, fight cancer, sharpen the mind, and create stronger bones, according to WebMD.

It’s best to take medicine if you’re suffering from a throat infection.

But having a glass of wine every now and then can prevent that infection in the first place.

“Several studies suggest that moderate wine consumption has beneficial effects on human health. The antioxidant and antiradical properties, particularly of red wine, attributed mainly to high polyphenol content, appear to protect against the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer,” a study read.

It is also believed that win cant help prevents upper respiratory disease. So, drink up and enjoy!

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Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Wine International Association, Edinburgh News