We all know chocolate is terrible for our waistlines but is it also harmful to our teeth? Aside from the obvious calorie and sugar load, research reveals that, when consumed in moderation, chocolate can benefit oral health. At Brighton Dental in Salt Lake City, UT, we can provide you with the best suggestions for maintaining your teeth as well as the best treatment plan for your specific dental requirements.

Our Teeth and Dark Chocolate

Milk chocolate contains more sugar than dark chocolate. This alone makes dark chocolate a better choice for your teeth. Furthermore, other chemicals included in it have been demonstrated to improve dental health. These include:

• Polyphenols aid in the reduction of bacterial buildup in our mouths. These chemicals can also kill the germs that cause bad breath. They've also been demonstrated to keep some sugars from converting to acid, which weakens our tooth enamel and causes cavities.
• Flavonoids help to prevent tooth decay.
• Antioxidants aid in the prevention of gum disease, especially if you have high quantities in your saliva.

Dark Chocolate Have Surprising Oral Health Benefits

Antioxidant Effect

Oral streptococci, a common bacterium in your mouth, creates acid that erodes your tooth enamel. Antioxidants in dark chocolate prevent this bacteria from producing tooth-damaging acids. These antioxidants combine to generate a type of antibacterial molecule. Additionally, the cocoa butter in dark chocolate develops a protective barrier around your teeth, making it more difficult for plaque to attach to them.

Reduction of Inflammation

Dark chocolate has four times the antioxidant content of green tea. Along with antioxidant advantages, they also have anti-inflammatory characteristics that assist to calm overly agitated oral tissues that are common in gingivitis and periodontal disease.

How Other Chocolates Affect Your Teeth and How You Can Prevent It

As we mentioned, milk chocolate contains more sugar. And when bacteria in the mouth convert this sugar into acids, tooth decay occurs. These acids erode the surface of your teeth, resulting in decay and cavities.

Tooth decay develops over time. However, it is generally preventable by limiting your sugar intake, checking what types of foods you eat, both sweet and savory, and cleaning and flossing your teeth daily. It is also beneficial to see your dentist twice a year to detect oral problems early and remove plaque and tartar accumulation.