(Nation) - Taking a glass of wine after a meal can help to prevent cavities and gum diseases, a new study has shown.

Scientists have discovered that some chemicals known as polyphenols found in red wine, can inhibit the sticking of cavity-causing bacteria to teeth, thus reducing the prevalence of cavities and other tooth and gum diseases.

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In a paper called the ‘Inhibition of Oral Pathogens Adhesion to Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Wine Polyphenols Alone and in Combination with an Oral Probiotic,’ published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry last week, Adelaida Esteban-Fernández and her team found that the polyphenols in wine restrict the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.