It’s February, which means love is in the air, and chocolate is in the aisles. As dental professionals, you might expect us to wage war against the heart-shaped boxes arriving this Valentine’s Day.
But here is a little secret: We love chocolate, too.
In fact, if you are going to indulge in a sweet treat for Valentine’s Day, chocolate is actually one of the better choices for your teeth! Before you dive into that box of truffles, here is the dentist’s guide to enjoying your cocoa without the cavities.
The “Good” vs. The “Bad” Chocolate
Not all chocolates are created equal when it comes to oral health.
1. The Hero: Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa or higher). Dark chocolate is the dental superstar of the candy world.
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- Why we love it: It contains polyphenols, natural compounds that can limit oral bacteria and prevent bad breath. It also contains flavonoids, which have been shown to slow tooth decay. [1]
- The Sugar Factor: High-quality dark chocolate has significantly less sugar than milk chocolate, meaning there is less fuel for the bacteria that cause plaque.
2. The Sidekick: Milk Chocolate. Milk chocolate is delicious, but it has a higher sugar content and fewer of those beneficial antioxidants.
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- The Verdict: Enjoy it, but don’t graze on it all day. Eat it in one sitting and wash it down with water.
3. The Villain: Sticky/Caramel/Nougat Fillings. The danger isn’t always the chocolate itself, it’s what is inside.
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- The Problem: Sticky fillings (like caramel, toffee, or gummies) cling to your teeth long after you’ve swallowed. The longer sugar stays in contact with your enamel, the higher your risk of a cavity.
3 Rules for a Tooth-Friendly Valentine’s Day
You can have your chocolate and eat it too by following these three simple rules:
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- Eat it with a meal: Saliva production increases during meals. This helps rinse away food particles and neutralizes the harmful acids produced by plaque bacteria.
- Skip the hard stuff: Be careful with chocolate-covered nuts or hard candies if you have crowns or veneers. A romantic evening is quickly ruined by a cracked tooth!
- The “30-Minute Rule”: Wait about 30 minutes after eating sugary treats before you brush. If you brush immediately while the acid levels in your mouth are high, you can actually abrasive your enamel. Drink water first to rinse your mouth.
Our Valentine’s Wish for You
We hope your day is filled with love, laughter, and yes …a little bit of chocolate. Just remember to show your teeth some love, too!
Happy Valentine’s Day!