Antibacterial Activity of Red and White Wine against Oral Streptococci.

Wine contains a number of biologically active compounds with beneficial effects on human health.
The antibacterial action of commercial red and white wines against oral streptococci responsible for
caries development and against S. pyogenes responsible for pharyngitis was studied. Its postcontact
effect against S. mutans was also studied. Both wines displayed activity. The compounds responsible
for such activities were succinic, malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and acetic acid. The synthetic mixtures
of the organic acids tested at the concentrations found in wine had greater antibacterial activity than
the beverages, indicating that in wine they are inhibited by other components. Wine polyphenols
displayed no activity against oral streptococci or S. pyogenes. Findings show that wine is active
against oral streptococci and S. pyogenes and suggest that it enhances oral health.