Chocolate Can Help Prevent Cavities

Chocolate can be a mouth’s best friend

Did you know chocolate can actually help FIGHT cavities? That’s right! Your favorite dark, sweet treat can actually prevent not-so-friendly dentist visits.

Studies from Japan, England, and the U.S. have shown that dark chocolate is effective at fighting cavities, plaque, and tooth decay in the mouth. In fact, it's better than fluoride according to some. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acids, which eat away at the tooth’s surface and cause cavities. Compounds in the cocoa bean husk have an anti-bacterial effect and also fight against plaque. This makes chocolate less harmful than many other sweet foods your dentist might warn you against because the antibacterial agents in cocoa beans offset its high sugar levels.

Photo Credit: el patojo via Compfight

Compounds in dark chocolate, CBH, may be more effective at fighting decay than fluoride. CBH helps harden tooth enamel, making users less susceptible to tooth decay. Note that the study suggested DARK chocolate, not the milk chocolate most of us are used to. Milk chocolate is packed with sugar and will not prevent cavities.

Here are some other benefits of dark chocolate:

• It’s good for your heart - Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots
• It’s good for your brain - Chocolate contains the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. It helps encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier
• It’s full of antioxidants – Which can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging

It’s important to practice proper oral hygiene, why not add something sweet to your routine?