Most of us consume more chocolate than we care to admit.
Aside from the obvious calories and sugar content, research shows that if eaten in moderation, chocolate can actually have a positive effect on oral health. It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals.
Milk chocolate and our teeth
Milk chocolate is popular and widely consumed. However, it also has a higher sugar content than dark chocolate (15 grams per ounce vs 14 grams per ounce). While the difference in weight isn’t that huge, over time, the even this small difference can lead to tooth decay and tooth cavity.
Dark chocolate and our teeth
Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate. This already makes it a healthier option for your teeth.
Pediatric specialists are also trained to treat kids with special needs.
Dark chocolate has POLYPHENOLS in it. These chemicals actually fight bacteria and organisms in the mouth. They can also help with bad breath and prevent some types of sugar from becoming acid.
Dark chocolate has FLAVONOIDS, which have been shown to fight tooth decay.
Dark chocolate contains ANTIOXIDANTS, which are beneficial to your health in many different ways. Antioxidants help fight gum disease, especially if you have higher levels in your saliva.
Overeating chocolate causes:
Delivers high doses of sugar into the mouth which support bacteria growth, plaque, and contribute to gum disease.
Bacteria in the mouth turns sugar into acids, which eat away at the surface of teeth.
This causes tooth decay and cavities.
Sugar in chocolate exacerbates the effects of weakened enamel.
Chocolate can stain teeth.
Tips For Oral Hygiene Maintenance after having chocolates:
Use a fluoridated tooth paste (reduces cavity formation) and soft tooth brush (to avoid trauma to Gums and teeth)
To avoid bad breath- drink water 200 ml to 300 ml for every one hour(keeps the oral cavity, moist acts as flushing of food debris and reducing acidity in saliva).
Use of tongue cleaners is also beneficial.
Ask your dentist for best brushing techniques, it’s the brushing technique and brush matters in cleaning the tooth more than toothpaste.