If you are a chocolate lover, you are probably very happy right about now. With Halloween less than a week away, your average grocery store is brimming with cacao based temptations. Chocolate is a very common comfort indulgence. Whether your desire for this melting delicacy is physical or psychological, there is good news for choc-aholics. In…
If you are a chocolate lover, you are probably very happy right about now. With Halloween less than a week away, your average grocery store is brimming with cacao based temptations. Chocolate is a very common comfort indulgence. Whether your desire for this melting delicacy is physical or psychological, there is good news for choc-aholics. In moderation, certain compounds that are in dark chocolate may actually benefit your dental health as well as your heart health. Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, will share exciting information on how chocolate can have a positive impact on your teeth.
Power of the Cocoa Bean
Chocolate is derived from cocoa beans which are not sweet when first picked. These rich and flavorful plants contain flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins (a compound also found in red wine). Polyphenols and tannins have been identified as substances that can actually inhibit the growth and acid production of certain bacteria in your mouth. Perhaps one day we can hope for chocolate in toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum, but so far, such products have not quite captured the decadence of actual chocolate.
Keep it Dark
Unfortunately, if you’re a milk chocolate lover, you may want to try and develop a taste for the darker stuff so you get concentrated benefits without too much bad-for-your-teeth sugar. Sugar is one of the worst offenders when it comes to giving bacteria a chance to create tooth and gum destroying plaque and tartar. If you want to benefit from chocolate without harming your teeth or your waistline, you should stick to about one ounce of dark chocolate a day. Try to take your time and savor the morsel. You may find that dark chocolate is actually more satisfying than sweeter concoctions that are just coated with chocolate, like peanut butter cups or caramels, or the most common candies to be passed out on a night like Halloween.
Visit your Knoxville Dentist
Are you concerned with your dental health? Are you overdue for a biannual dental checkup? Â?Visit your Knoxville dentist. You can reach us by calling our 37919 dentist office Â?at 865-584-8630. We welcome patients from Knoxville and the greater metropolitan area.
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