EFFECTS OF CHOCOLATES ON YOUR TEETH

Chocolates – Who does not love them? Not only the kids but even the adults and elderly people love chocolates. However, there is always a concern about whether the chocolates you consume will harm your health especially your dental health. There are several myths regarding the effect of chocolates on dental health that get people confused on what is right and what is bad for their health. Here is a quick overview on what are the effects of chocolates on your teeth.

Chocolates are classified into dark chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate and raw, unprocessed chocolate. It would be incorrect to tell that every chocolate has a similar effect on the teeth. Some chocolates are good, some are not that good for teeth, and hence here we bring you a detailed overview of the effect of white and dark chocolates on your teeth.

WHITE CHOCOLATE

White chocolate is composed of a combination of cocoa, powdered milk and sugar out of which cocoa accounts for only about 20-30%, and the remaining composition is sugar and milk powder. The higher quantity of sugar in these chocolates pose a threat to your dental health. The harmful bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugar compounds when you consume white chocolate and convert them into harmful acids. These harmful acids attack the teeth enamel and chip away the enamel forming cavity through which the bacteria and acids attack the delicate roots of the tooth. 

The sugars in white chocolate, therefore, decay the teeth but children usually love these chocolates. It would be difficult to strictly curb your children from eating these sugary chocolates, but you can try to divert them from white chocolates to the darker ones that are a little less sugary.

DARK CHOCOLATE

If you are a chocolate lover, dark chocolates would be the best choice to satisfy your chocolate cravings and protect your oral health. Dark chocolate is composed of over 300 compounds, and more than 70% of its composition is cocoa. It contains only a little amount of sugar and powdered milk. 

Dark chocolate contains polyphenols that fight against the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars. It prevents the bacteria from feeding on sugars and converting them into acids that tear away the enamel. Polyphenols also help fight the bad breath causing bacteria.

Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants. The higher levels of antioxidants in the saliva help fight gum diseases and keep your oral health intact. The flavonoids in dark chocolate slow down the decaying of teeth. However, consuming too much dark chocolate can stain your teeth and weaken the enamel.

HEALTHY TIPS FOR CONSUMING CHOCOLATES

Cravings for chocolates are natural, and it’s fine to eat chocolates until you do it in the right way with good oral care. 

Consume chocolate only after the meals, as it takes up to 2 hours to neutralize the sugars and rebalance the acidity in the mouth. 
Rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or water after eating chocolate to avoid sticking chocolate particles in teeth and gums that are fed upon by bacteria.
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss your teeth as flossing preserves dental health.
Visit the dentist for your regular dental checkup to keep your oral health in a good condition. 
Do not skip the professional dental cleanings that remove plaque and tartar.