Drinking red wine may help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

According to U.S. News and World Report, a team of researchers in Spain discovered that the micronutrient polyphenol reduces the occurrence of bad bacteria that causes dental plaque, cavities and gum disease.

In the study, researchers found that wine polyphenols and extracts reduced bacteria's ability to stick to teeth and gums, Fox News reported, with the micronutrient even more effective when combined with an oral probiotic.

While the findings are positive, experts warn that it is not an excuse to start consuming wine.

The British Dental Association's scientific adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, noted that wine was acidic and if consumed frequently, could damage the enamel of teeth.

"Therefore, until the benefits of this research are shown clinically, it is best to consume wine in moderation and with a meal to minimize the risk of tooth erosion," he said, according to BBC.

Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, also was skeptical about the study's findings, noting that there was no substantial evidence to prove that drinking wine overall was good for health.

"On the contrary, more and more evidence from other sources now suggests the less wine or alcohol one drinks, the lower the risks of range of disease and the lower the mortality risks," he said, per BBC.

According to NDTV fruits such as apples, cranberries and oranges could all contribute to good oral hygiene.

Relate Stories:

• Drinking Alcohol Key to Living Into 90s, Study Says
• Coffee and Tea May Protect Liver From Western Diet