Did you know that there are several foods that can help you keep your teeth healthy? There are also some foods that could actually hurt your pearly whites. For instance, you probably know that sugary foods aren’t great for your smile, but that milk could actually strengthen your teeth. However, did you know that dark chocolate could also be good for your pearly whites?
Sugary foods can create an environment where bad bacteria can grow and produce acids that can break down tooth enamel. But did you know that certain foods, namely foods that contain an ingredient called tannin, can actually reduce the acid in your mouth? Dark chocolate is actually one of these foods.
Tannin is an ingredient that is found in cocoa. You can expect to enjoy more benefits from dark chocolate than from milk chocolate, because dark chocolate often contains more cocoa. Furthermore, dark chocolate has less sugar in it than milk chocolate does. So eating dark chocolate could actually have a number of benefits.
Still, there are a few things you should be careful with, especially if you enjoy dark chocolate. You see, eating too much food with tannin can actually stain your teeth—though you should be able to avoid this problem simply by brushing your teeth about 30 minutes after you brush your teeth.
If you’re interested in learning more about maintaining the health of your mouth, please don’t hesitate to give Ladera Dentistry a call at 949-347-7083. Our dentist, Dr. Mai X. Ly, will be happy to answer any questions you may have and examine the health of your mouth. We look forward to hearing from you.