How Does Chocolate Damage Teeth?

How Does Eating Chocolate Damage Your Teeth?

The main cause is the high sugar content of candies and chocolates. Too much sugar leads to tooth decay and other dental issues. In the mouth, some bacteria that feed on sugar exist. Sugar is converted to acid by these bacteria, causing severe damage to the tooth enamel. When the enamel of the teeth is compromised, the risk of tooth decay increases significantly. Sugar attracts the small bacteria that cause gingivitis and gum disease, in addition to producing enamel-eating acids. These disorders can cause your gums to recede from your teeth and the protective tissues that keep your teeth in place to be destroyed.

?When sugary foods are ingested in moderation, your mouth can neutralize acids that can destroy tooth enamel and make minerals that can strengthen tooth enamel. Only by limiting your sugar intake and maintaining a regular dental hygiene regimen will your mouth be able to combat the detrimental factor. The stickier the chocolate, the more damaging it is to your teeth and gums. Even after you have finished eating sticky chocolates and candies, a sugary residue remains on your teeth. These sugary leftovers on the teeth encourage mouth bacteria to create acid and begin demineralizing tooth enamel. Lollipops and suckers, in addition to sticky chocolates and candies, are problematic since they are in the mouth for a longer amount of time. When sugary foods are present in the mouth for an extended amount of time, germs have more opportunities to work on weakening your teeth. Furthermore, biting excessively hard on hard items such as lollipops can chip or crack a tooth.

?How to Prevent Chocolate From Damaging Your Teeth?

These steps will help to prevent chocolate from damaging the teeth:

Wash and Swish With Some Water: Milk chocolate has a tendency to stick to our teeth and gums. If your favorite chocolate has nougat or caramel, this is especially true. Sugars will add to tooth decay if they are not removed from your mouth. However, merely swishing with water or drinking a glass of water can remove the majority of chocolate particles from your mouth, reducing the negative impact chocolate has on your oral health.

Do Not Snack on Chocolate All Day: Limit yourself to a few snacking sessions if you are going to eat chocolates. Snacking on chocolate all day causes a sustained rise in sugar in your mouth, allowing bacteria to produce significantly more acid, which causes tooth decay.

Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If it is possible, brush your teeth after eating chocolate. Brushing your teeth will remove any residual sugars or chocolate particles that could cause tooth decay.

?It is important to limit exposure to chocolates and sugary foods. Along with that, good oral hygiene habits, routine dental check-ups, and dental cleaning are important for keeping teeth and oral health in good condition.

For more information, consult me at iCliniq.com.

Dr.G.Muthulaakshmi?