With the Valentine’s Day holiday coming up next week, it’s not too late to get your hands on some chocolate.
With the Valentine’s Day holiday coming up next week, it’s not too late to get your hands on some chocolate. The problem is, you’re probably troubled by the question of what happens to your teeth when you eat chocolate. Let’s take a closer look!
Milk Chocolate
As tasty as milk chocolate is, it can be quite damaging to your teeth. As you’ll see below, milk chocolate has more sugar in it than dark chocolate, and it’s the sugar that’s the real problem. Raw chocolate, the kind that hasn’t seen any additives yet, still isn’t as sweet as milk chocolate. Because there is so much sugar in this chocolate, you should enjoy it only sparingly so you don’t run the risk of cavities or developing tooth decay.
Dark Chocolate
If you want to keep your teeth healthy and prevent the spread of cavities, dark chocolate might be the way to go. Some scientific studies have discovered a link between dark chocolate and a noticeable decrease in how many cavities are in your mouth. The chemicals in this type of chocolate are beneficial, because they can fight off bacteria that lives in your mouth. What does this mean? Tooth decay and bad breath can both be slowed with this type of chocolate.
Sugar Levels
Different types of chocolate have different amounts of sugar in them. For instance, white chocolate might even seem like chocolate at all. But just because it is a different flavor doesn’t make it any less chocolatey. Per ounce of chocolate, white chocolate actually has 17 grams, while milk chocolate has 15, and dark chocolate has 14. So, remember, take all things in moderation and do your best to protect your teeth!
Tooth Decay
Whenever you eat something sugary, you should try to brush your teeth soon after. If that isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth or drink some water to wash the sugar away. The longer sugar sits on your teeth, the more time they have to eat away at the enamel. If you’re worried about tooth decay, start brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. You should also change your diet so you don’t eat as many sweets and be mindful of the other foods you eat, too.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.