Can Chocolate give you a Toothache? Dental Care this World Chocolate Day - Gigadocs - Online Appointment with Best Doctors

Do you have a sweet tooth? Do not worry; you are not alone! But wait, isn’t chocolate unhealthy for your teeth?

We relish all our favorite meals, which include the endorphin-releasing indulgence- chocolate. Chocolate is adored by nine out of ten people and consumed by around 1 billion people daily.

Enjoying chocolates without the fear of a toothache is a dream for us many. So, how do we balance the two?

World Chocolate Day

Every year on July 7th, World Chocolate Day invites chocolate lovers worldwide to indulge guilt-free in their favorite dessert. The day also honors all chocolate-based treats, such as chocolate candy bars, chocolate cake, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, brownies.

For every chocolate lover, here are some of the most popular chocolates for cooking and self-consumption-

Chocolate and its Health Benefits

Chocolate bundles up with many health benefits of its own. It boosts mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. Dark chocolate is also beneficial to your health. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, and it can lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease and even increase blood flow.

Chocolate and your Teeth

Our minds may enjoy chocolate, but our gums do not.

Although there are health benefits to eating small amounts of chocolate (especially the dark types), inappropriate proportions can be harmful to your teeth like other sweet food. This is especially true for milk chocolate variants, which contain far more sugar than dark chocolate. Here is why milk and sweet chocolates are so harmful-

Produces large amounts of sugar into the mouth, promoting bacteria, plaque, and consequently gum diseases.
Contains sugar which is converted to acids by bacteria present in the mouth. These bacteria erode the teeth’ enamel which causes tooth decay and cavities.
Milk and sweet chocolate may even discolor teeth.

Healthy Chocolate Consumption Tips-

Eat chocolate in one go.

Doesn’t this sound like a chocolate lover’s fantasy? But it’s true: eating at one sitting is healthier for your teeth than snacking all through the day.

When it comes to teeth, it’s not about how much sugar you consume but about how often you eat it. Your mouth becomes acidic every time you have chocolates. Even a single modest nibble of a chocolate bar elevates the acidity level in your tongue. Long-term acid exposure damages and destroys the protective enamel of your teeth.

Partner chocolate with other food

The frequency with which you consume chocolate, rather than the amount consumed, impacts your teeth. Our mouth might take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to completely neutralize the sugars of the mouth. If you eat sweets throughout the day, your mouth will have a more challenging time getting rid of these sugars. Our recommendation is to have chocolate as a dessert after your meal or dinner. The aim is to allow your teeth to rest between meals.

Avoid sticky food

Soft and sticky food can get stuck between the nooks and ridges of our teeth for hours after we eat it. Children who love chocolates the most can be particularly at a greater risk. Chocolate with gooey fillings, like caramel or candies, is the worst for your teeth. Instead, we recommend plain dark chocolate or pure milk chocolate. You must consider visiting your dentist every 6-12 months for a regular dental examination.

A good oral routine

Brushing your teeth twice a day can do wonders. Brushing at night before you sleep would keep away any leftover food and sugars accumulated during the day. Floss at least once a day, and if possible, use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the gums and teeth healthy.

Dental Care with Gigadocs

Dentists suggest that dark chocolate three times a week will do good to your health and not harm your teeth. However, if you have a toothache or suspect cavities, schedule a virtual appointment with the leading dentists on the Gigadocs App.

Your dentist might advise for a dental X-ray to prescribe successive treatment. Don’t put off your dental health, good oral health requires more than brushing and flossing. Book a dental consultation with Gigadocs for strong and healthy teeth.

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