If you ask your dentist which type of candy, if any, they would recommend, most dentists will mention dark chocolate. You can find study after study about the healing properties and health benefits of dark chocolate. Chocolate has over 300 chemical compounds that can be linked to numerous health benefits for almost every part of your body. In fact, there are studies that indicate that cocoa or dark chocolate is actually good for your mouth and your teeth.
In a collection of studies out of England, Japan and the United States, research is showing that cocoa or dark chocolate actually helps fight cavities, plaque, even tooth decay and can rival the benefits of fluoride. I’m sure you’re wondering how in the world dark chocolate can help prevent cavities. A compound found in chocolate called CBH is one of the answers. CBH and other compounds in cocoa have anti-bacterial properties that fight against plaque. These antibacterial properties actually offset the sugar content of candy and other bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria in the mouth turns sugar into acids, the acid attacks the tooth surface which causes decay and cavities, CBH helps neutralize the acids.
CBH is a white crystalline powder with a chemical makeup similar to caffeine. It is known to help harden tooth enamel. More and more studies are popping up studying the positive effects of CBH and oral health. Cacao nibs offer the best results when eating chocolate for your oral health. Nibs however are not always easy to find and are not that tasty. If you can’t palate cocoa nibs try dark chocolate that has less than 6 to 8 grams of sugar per serving. Raw chocolate is a great choice since it is less processed and contains all the benefits the numerous antioxidants found in cocoa.
The world is beginning to discover that chocolate may be the newest superfood, since in its unaltered state it is the most complex food on the planet. The next time you have a sweet craving, grab some dark chocolate, your teeth will thank you!