Did you know December 16 has been deemed National Chocolate Covered Anything Day? While it’s fun to find an excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, family dentists encourage children and adults to educate themselves on the impact of chocolate on oral health to avoid costly visits to your dental clinic. If you’re looking for ways to participate in this unique holiday without impacting your oral hygiene, here’s what you should know about chocolate. 

Understanding the Impact of Chocolate on Your Dental Health

Why Do Dentists Encourage Eating Chocolate in Moderation?

Chocolate bars, glazes, and other desserts that feature this ingredient are typically very high in sugar. As your dentist will tell you, sugar is the primary cause of tooth decay and cavities because the substance leads to excess mouth bacteria that sticks to teeth and weakens the enamel. Thus, it’s important to minimize the amount of chocolate you consume. 

What Type of Chocolate Should You Lean Towards?

If you do wish to indulge in a morsel on National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, stick to dark chocolate as opposed to milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and also boasts high fiber and a few antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease. When making your selection, go for dark chocolate that’s 70-85% cocoa and avoid caramel centers as sticky sugar stays on teeth longer.  

How Can You Prevent Tooth Decay?

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by adhering to a strict oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush and floss every morning and every night before bed. If you indulge in a sweet treat like chocolate, try to brush your teeth afterward. When that’s not an option, wash sugary foods away with plenty of water and consider having a bite of cheese or an apple to neutralize sugar and help your mouth naturally remove food debris. Most importantly, visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning so they can remove plaque buildup and confirm you’re cavity-free. 

Anchorage Dental Center is known across the state of Alaska for providing top-notch oral care to patients of all ages. If you’re looking for a friendly family dentist that applies years of experience and a dedication to soothing bedside manner to every appointment, call this trusted dental clinic today at (907) 278-2521 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about Dr. James Driskell and this dentist office’s commitment to comfortable care, visit their website.