Is Dark Chocolate Good For Your Teeth?

Is dark chocolate really good for your teeth?

Dark chocolate should consist of 70% or more cocoa, without the milk and butter contained in milk chocolate. This ensures that the chocolate is semi-sweet, or slightly bitter. The low sugar content makes dark chocolate less likely to cause cavities compared to other candy!

In addition, dark chocolate contains compounds called polyphenols which have been shown to protect your teeth against cavities! This is due to their interference with the ability of S. mutans to create plaque. Polyphenols are also found in coffee, green tea, and pomegranates.

Dark chocolate can indeed be beneficial for your teeth when consumed in moderation.

Beneficial Compounds

Dark chocolate contains several compounds that can promote oral health:

Antioxidants

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds have several positive effects:

• They can limit oral bacteria growth and neutralize microorganisms that cause bad breath1.
• They help prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth, reducing plaque formation1.
• They can slow tooth decay and fight periodontal disease

CBH (Cocoa Bean Husk)

A compound found in dark chocolate called CBH has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel, potentially even more effectively than fluoride.

Cavity-Fighting Properties

The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help prevent tooth decay in multiple ways:

• They inhibit the production of acid by oral bacteria, which normally erodes tooth enamel.
• The cocoa butter in dark chocolate can coat teeth, preventing plaque from adhering

Due to these properties, eating a moderate amount of dark chocolate (1-2 ounces a day) can be a great way to satisfy sweet cravings without contributing to tooth decay. It is still recommended to rinse or drink water shortly after consuming dark chocolate, in order to prevent sugars from sticking to your teeth. Always seek a dentist to prevent having cavities while you enjoy your sweets!