How Chocolate Can Help Your Teeth

You’ve always been told that candy is bad for you. The sugar can cause your teeth to decay. Well, there’s good news. Chocolate has been found to actually have properties that can help fight cavities!

Compounds in the cocoa bean husk have antibacterial agents that help fight plaque in your mouth. The antibacterial agents balance out the…

You’ve always been told that candy is bad for you. The sugar can cause your teeth to decay. Well, there’s good news. Chocolate has been found to actually have properties that can help fight cavities!

Compounds in the cocoa bean husk have antibacterial agents that help fight plaque in your mouth. The antibacterial agents balance out the sugar levels. Some researchers believe that the cocoa extract may be more effective than fluoride when it comes to fighting cavities and tooth decay.

Chocolate contains a compound called CBH, which can help harden your tooth enamel and prevent decay. CBH is a white, crystalline powder with a chemical makeup similar to caffeine. In the future, dentists and researchers are predicting that CBH will be added to mouthwashes and toothpastes to increase their positive effect on oral hygiene and dental health.

Eating chocolate not only helps your teeth, but also your heart. The flavonoids found in chocolate have antioxidants that help control your blood flow and reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke. Chocolate also has a high polyphenol content, which can boost the production of nitric oxide in your body, lowering your blood pressure.

Additionally, chocolate is better for you than other sweets because it’s not sticky and can easily be rinsed off your teeth. However, eating too much still isn’t the best idea. The tannins in chocolate can stain your teeth, and the sugar can cause decay when consumed in excessive amounts. If eating a little bit of chocolate per day doesn’t help your teeth, Dr. Erpenbach can restore your smile and fix your cavities. Schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dentist at 865-584-8630.