Is Chocolate Good for Your Teeth?

Posted on 3/1/2024 by Weo Admin

Many of us consume chocolate frequently, especially during various holidays. The American Dental Association stated that Americans consume an average of 11 pounds of chocolate each year, which is more chocolate than nearly any other country. If you are a chocolate lover, you need to know how much chocolate is too much for your teeth. Here are some pointers for dental care for chocolate aficionados.

The Positives About Chocolate

Despite the disparaging comments from dieticians, chocolate can be good for you in small doses. Dark chocolate is better for you than milk chocolate or white chocolate because only dark chocolate contains flavanols, which are plant chemicals. These flavanols are proven to provide a lot of health benefits.

Harvard researchers who studied the effects of chocolate on the body found that dark chocolate acts as an anti-inflammatory. People who consumed small amounts in research studies saw a decrease in blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Dark chocolate can also reduce the chances of blood clots by improving blood flow.

Your brain may also benefit from dark chocolate and improved blood flow. People who consumed dark chocolate showed improved brain function.

Now, For the Negatives

While eating dark chocolate does have some health benefits, there are also some drawbacks to chocolate consumption, especially for your teeth. Chocolate, even dark chocolate, contains sugar. If it did not, it would taste very bitter. However, with that added sugar comes a lot of issues for your dental health.

Bacteria live in your mouth constantly. They help you digest food properly. However, too much bacteria is dangerous for your dental health. The bacteria in your mouth cause both cavities and gum disease. If you leave cavities too long, you may need a filling, or even a root canal, to fix your tooth. If your dentist can catch gum disease early, it can be cured quickly. However, if it is not treated quickly, gum disease cannot be cured - only treated. Those bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and carbohydrates. The more sugar you have in your mouth, the more bacteria can multiply and cause trouble.

Do you have questions about your oral health? Why not give our office a call today?

Bells Office

(731) 663-9999

7019 US-412
Bells, TN 38006

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: By appt
Sat & Sun: Closed

Jackson Office

(731) 300-3000

80 Exeter Rd
Jackson, TN 38305

Hours:
Mon: 7am - 7pm
Tue: 7am - 7pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: 8am - 3pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

Milan Office

(731) 613-2800

14029 S 1st St
Milan, TN 38358

Hours:
Mon: 11am - 6pm
Tue: 8am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thu: 7am - 2pm
Fri: By appt
Sat & Sun: Closed

Lexington Office

Opening June 10th.

689 W. Church St.
Lexington,TN 38351

About | Premier Dental Center - Bells, Jackson, & Milan, TN
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