Most of us consume more chocolate than we care to admit. We know it’s bad for our figures, but is chocolate also bad for our teeth? Aside from the calories and sugar, research shows that if eaten in moderation, chocolate can actually have a positive effect on oral health.

By now we’ve heard that eating chocolate releases feel-good endorphins. It also contributes to increased brain cognition. But what does it do to our tooth enamel? Will it cause us to suffer from a tooth cavity? This depends on the type of chocolate:

Milk Chocolate and Our Teeth

Milk chocolate is popular and widely consumed. However, it also has a higher sugar content than dark chocolate (15 grams per ounce vs 14 grams per ounce). While the numbers aren’t that huge, over time, the difference can lead to tooth decay and tooth cavity.

Dark Chocolate and Our Teeth

Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate. This already makes it a healthier option for your teeth. Plus, of the 300 compounds that it’s composed of, there are three that have been shown to enhance oral health. These include:

• Polyphenols, which help fight the buildup of bacteria in our mouths. These chemicals can also neutralize those pesky organisms that lead to bad breath. They’ve also been shown to preventing some forms of sugar from turning into acid, which weakens our tooth enamel and causes cavities.
• Flavonoids, which slow tooth decay.
• Antioxidants help fight gum disease, especially if you have higher levels in your saliva.

The Bottom Line

Whether you prefer milk or dark chocolate, go ahead and indulge yourself. While research shows that the latter benefits oral health, daily brushing and flossing is key to prevent getting cavities.