Is Chocolate Bad for Your Teeth?

Around Halloween, most of us end up consuming more chocolate than we would on a normal basis and asking, “is chocolate bad for my teeth?“

You may be interested to know the amount of positive feedback there is out there about how eating chocolate affects the body and how it can have There are some negatives associated with eating large amounts of chocolate.

Just as some studies have shown that a glass of red wine a day can improve circulation and heart health in most adults, Similar results have indicated that eating small amounts of chocolate daily can actually improve overall brain function.

Let’s take a look at some popular types of chocolate and amounts of sugar they contain.

Sugar Content

Here is the breakdown of sugar content, for some of your favorite chocolates:

White Chocolate: 17 grams per ounce
Milk Chocolate: 15 grams per ounce
Dark Chocolate: 14 grams per ounce

The amounts are not very different but over time it can take a toll on your teeth, resulting in tooth decay, cavities, etc.

How Tooth Decay Occurs & Prevention

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acids. Those acids eat away at surface of your teeth, causing decay and cavities.

Tooth decay occurs over time. However, it can be mostly prevented by cutting down on your sugar intake, watching what types of foods you eat, both sweet and savory, and brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis. It also helps to visit your dentist at least twice per year to identify oral problems early and remove plaque and tartar buildup.