It might sound too good to be true: Candy that’s good for your teeth? It’s true: there are a few types of candy that are actually great for your oral health!
Chewing Gum can be great for your teeth – as long as it is sugarless gum. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva, which plays an essential role in neutralizing acids in the mouth and preventing bad breath and tooth decay.
Xylitol in particular has been shown to have numerous oral health benefits. It is a natural, plant derived sweetener that neutralizes the pH balance of your mouth and is indigestible by bacteria. This means that bacteria cannot stick to the teeth well, the growth of bacteria is greatly reduced, far less enamel-attacking acid is produced.
Dark Chocolate is packed with antioxidants (about four times more than green tea!) like tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants have a kind of antibacterial effect in the mouth, helping to prevent bacteria from turning into damaging acids and reducing the production of plaque. Antioxidants also reduce inflammation and work to prevent inflammation of the gums, one of the effects of periodontal (gum) disease. Cocoa butter also coats your teeth, making it harder for plaque to adhere to them. But perhaps the most interesting and effective benefit of dark chocolate is the compound CBH, which studies have found hardens tooth enamel, making your teeth more resistant to sensitivity and cavities. In fact, it’s been suggested that CBH is even more effective at fighting tooth decay than fluoride, and might soon be used in mouthwash and toothpaste. Imagine that – a compound found in chocolate added to toothpaste!