Eating Dark Chocolate May Help Your Oral Health

It’s American Chocolate week which means that chocolate will get more than its usual share of attention. But good news for you chocolate lovers, dark chocolate may actually help your oral health. Crazy, right? A dentist told you to eat chocolate! Here is what you need to know about the dental benefits of dark chocolate. 

Dark Chocolate for Oral Health 

Recent studies have shown that chocolate is a superfood, fighting cavities, plaque, and tooth decay found in the mouth. However, these dental benefits aren’t spread across all types of chocolate (sorry milk chocolate lovers!). Rather, the dental benefits are only found to stem from real, dark chocolate — not the sweet stuff you find in all of your favorite candies. The Dentist explains that compounds in chocolate may be more effective at fighting decay than fluoride! 

“Real” chocolate is a good source of polyphenols, natural chemicals that reduce oral bacteria. Polyphenols also act as neutralizers on microorganisms that trigger bad breath. Furthermore, polyphenols have been shown to prevent some bacteria from turning sugar and starches into acid, protecting your teeth from the decay-causing threats acids usually pose. 

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria in your mouth morphs sugar into acid, which begins to weaken the tooth’s surface and can cause cavities. Compounds within the cocoa bean husk have an antibacterial effect and can fight plaque. This being said, chocolate is a less harmful dessert option than other popular treats because of these antibacterial agents offsetting high sugar levels. 

The Best Way to Eat Dark Chocolate 

While we already know that eating a Reese’s cup won’t benefit our oral health, are all dark chocolate options good? Not all dark chocolate is created equal. For example, if you are really eating chocolate for the sake of your dental health, you should reach for cacao nibs. However, these are often too bitter for many people’s likings. 

Up next would be choosing dark chocolate that has less than 8 grams of sugar per serving — and organic, if possible. Chocolate is a high-calorie food, so be weary of the ingredients added in the chocolate you are consuming. The less processed the food, the more cavity-fighting antioxidants you’ll benefit from. 

Tip: While children more than likely won’t enjoy the bitter taste of dark chocolate, try giving it to them in small amounts, or adding it to their diets in fun ways — like in a smoothie! 

More Steps for Healthy Smiles

While we wish we could say that eating chocolate is the only thing you need to do to maintain a healthy smile, that is just not the case. For a healthy smile, it is important that you are following a dental hygiene routine that is helping keep your teeth clean and free of harmful bacteria. Mayo Clinic lists the dental care basics you should be following for your oral health: 

• Brush your teeth twice a day. Don’t rush the brush, either. They explain that to do a good, thorough job, you should be taking two minutes to brush your teeth. It is also important to note that you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if your meal contained acidic things — like soda or tomatoes. Also remember to brush your tongue, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. 
• Use the right tools. You should be using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. If you wish, choose an electric toothbrush that can provide a better clean than their manual counterparts. 
• Practice good form. Your toothbrush should be held at a slight angle, with the bristles aimed towards the gum line. Gently brush with circular motions and be careful not to brush too hard and hurt your gums. Brush for two minutes, and get all of the surfaces of the teeth, and your tongue. 
• Keep your tools clean. Always rinse your toothbrush right after brushing and store it upright so it can properly air-dry. Keep it separate from other people’s toothbrushes so it doesn’t become contaminated. You should not store your toothbrush in a closed container as it can result in bacteria and mold. Replace your toothbrush head every three months, or sooner if you see signs of damage. 
• Floss. Be gentle and take it one tooth at time. Glide the floss into the spaces between each tooth and your gums. You should be flossing at least once per day. 
• See your dentist. To prevent oral health issues, you should see your dentist regularly — at least every six months. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Botero 

Parents, you are not alone in your journey to empower your children with healthy food habits and behaviors. Reach out to our team for help and guidance. We can help reinforce what you are teaching at home in our office during our exams with your children. Contact our friendly team at Li’l Sunshine Smiles today by calling us at 813-576-0200 to schedule a wellness visit and exam for your child. We are here for you!