Art and Wine Events in Toledo

It’s no secret Americans love their wine. Wine sales in this country have grown steadily over the past years, and 2016 figures are expected to show a 1% – 2% increase over last year’s sales. But did you know that the fertile soil around Lake Erie is becoming known for wine production? Ohio wines are quickly earning a following in the wine world, giving wine enthusiasts in our area one more reason to raise glass.

While many wine drinkers love to pair their favorite vintage with food, others like to pair it with an activity. A night out at a restaurant might be the first activity that comes to mind, but more and more frequently, people are pairing wine with art.

Art and Wine: A Perfect Pairing

Beer may be the traditional adult beverage to pair with sports outings, but wine has come into its own as a favorite beverage for the art activities. “Wine and Canvas” events are springing up all over Toledo, allowing everyone the chance to get in touch with their inner artist and create a painting while enjoying a glass of wine. You don’t need any experience to enjoy these painting classes – just a sense of adventure and fun! The instructors provide all the art supplies – and the wine in some cases. Two sites for these events are Wine & Canvas and Uncork the Artist.

If you’d rather observe art than participate in it, The Toledo Museum of Art offers Wines by The Glass Pavilion. Participants can sip wines and dine on light snacks while enjoying beautiful glass sculptures or watching glass artists create new works of art. These events are offered on various Friday nights throughout the year. Check the museum’s event calendar for dates and times.

Wine and Your Dental Health

For those who “partake of the grape” in moderation, research has shown that wine provides some significant health benefits. Several medical studies have concluded that drinking wine can improve heart health, because wine dilates arteries, and improve levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) while helping to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL). In addition, new research is also revealing that wine may help prevent several kinds of cancer.

But when it comes to your dental health, however, the news about wine is mixed. First, the good news about wine and your dental health.

The Good News

One report in the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that wine – in particular, red wine — might help ward off oral cancer. Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry discovered that antioxidants including resveratrol and quercetin in red wine may inhibit the growth of oral cancer cells.

Another study showed that wine may inhibit tooth decay and gum disease. It noted that that proanthocyanidins, antioxidants found in foods like grapes, apples, and chocolate, seem to prevent the bacteria which causes tooth decay from sticking to saliva and teeth.

The Bad News

Unfortunately, it’s not all good news for wine and dental health. Wine is acidic, and like any acidic beverage, it softens the enamel on your teeth. Not only that, it contains sugars that promote bacteria and tooth decay. And if that weren’t enough, wine – like any alcoholic beverage – can cause “dry mouth,” reducing saliva production and increasing the chance for decay-causing bacteria to stick to your teeth.

Then there’s the staining factor. Red wine is notorious for staining teeth, and the stains will be even more noticeable if the enamel has been worn thin. Invisalign wearers need to remove their aligners before drinking red wine or any staining beverage. The aligners can discolor; plus, the aligners will hold the sugars against teeth, leading to more opportunity for decay. Rinsing with water after drinking wine can reduce staining and the amount of sugar left on your teeth. You can also lighten stains with whitening toothpaste; for deeper stains, ask your dentist about whitening treatments.

Finally, there’s the issue of oral cancer. While moderate wine intake may help defend against oral cancer, studies show that more-than-moderate intake may increase your risk of developing oral cancer, especially if you combine it with cigarette smoking.

What’s the bottom line on wine? Enjoy it responsibly. Drink in moderation. Follow it up with water to stay hydrated and rinse away the sugar from your teeth. And brush and floss afterward to remove any residual sugar and minimize staining.

And the bottom line on art? Enjoy it every chance you get.

Cheers!

How can you keep your smile healthy and beautiful?

Having your teeth cleaned and examined by dental professionals is key, and the dental professionals at Schmakel Smile Designs can help! Make an appointment, or call us at (419) 841-9494.