Chocolate is a dentist’s favorite candy, and not just because of the taste 🙂 (in fact, dark chocolate is Dr. Wengler’s treat of choice)!
Chocolate is a mix of sugar and fat, so it’s quickly washed off of the teeth. Compare the experience of eating M&Ms versus the experience of eating jelly beans and gummy bears. The chocolate leaves your mouth after a few minutes, while the jelly beans and gummy bears tend to stick in your teeth for an hour or more. The whole time the candy is stuck in your teeth, the “sugar bugs” and bacteria in your mouth are having a blast and potentially causing cavities.
Also, sticky candies and hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers) are more likely to pull off dental work like fillings, crowns and sealants.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment
While indulging in sweets might be a delightful treat, it’s important to choose wisely for the sake of your dental health and that of your child. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate as preferred by Dr. Wengler, emerges as a surprisingly tooth-friendly option. Its quick dissolvability means less time for bacteria to feast and cause harm, setting it apart from its stickier, harder counterparts.
So, next time you’re child is faced with a choice between a chocolate bar and a pack of gummy bears, remember that chocolate is not only a treat for their taste buds but also a kinder option for their teeth. When in doubt, encourage them to choose chocolate, with a little less worry for their oral health. Dr. Derrick Cantu and Dr. Christi Wengler are pleased to provide pediatric dentistry in San Antonio, Texas, for your child’s smile. Please call Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio today at 210-680-7841 to schedule their dental visit!