Can Chocolate Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy?

at Oasis Family Dental warn that you have to be careful with exposing your teeth to all of that sugar, but could a dark chocolate fondue possibly have positive benefits for your smile?

Beneficial Compounds in the Cocoa Bean

Chocolate starts as a bean – the cocoa bean, to be exact. Flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins are found in high supply within this powerful bean. Also present in red wine, polyphenols and tannins inhibit the growth of bacteria. The more harmful bacteria you have in your mouth, the higher the production of acid and plaque. When your teeth have less plaque buildup, you will presents with a lower risk of tooth decay and gum disease. However, don’t use this as an excuse to go to the Valentine’s Day aisle of your closest store and buy up every box of chocolate you can find.

Choose Chocolate Wisely

Unfortunately, not all chocolate is created equally. Dark chocolate contains copious quantities of polyphenols and tannins, without the added sucrose. Chocolate extracts have been used to ramp up the benefits of toothpastes, mouthwashes, mints, and gum, but something about chocolate as a paste that you rub on your teeth is unappealing to the masses. The best way to expose teeth and gums to the benefits in the cacao bean is still in the experimental phase. In the meantime, you can enjoy moderate amounts of dark chocolate each day, providing you have no other health concerns that prohibit this indulgence.

Comprehensive Dental Care from Temecula Dentists

Are you due for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning? Visit Oasis Family Dental for your comprehensive dental care needs. We also offer multi-specialty dentistry. Call our 92591 dentist office at (951) 695-2290 to make an appointment. We serve patients in Temecula and all surrounding communities.