Yes, You Can Eat Chocolate!

Do your Valentine’s Day plans include chocolate? You’re not the only one. Americans purchase, on average, about 58 million pounds of chocolate for the Day of Love.

People have been loving chocolate for a long time. Over the centuries, chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac, a stimulant, food for the gods, currency, and a healthy snack.

Chocolate isn’t just for special occasions any more. Most people in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging about 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day. But we know that sugary snacks and drinks can be a dental disaster. So, can you indulge in a little chocolate without worrying about wrecking your smile? The answer is… yes! As long as you take care of your teeth and know a few things about chocolate’s impact. Like this:

Chocolate and your teeth

Sugar itself doesn’t rot your teeth, but it does fuel the oral bacteria that causes dental decay. Over time, without proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, the plaque clinging to teeth works its way under the gums, resulting in oral infections and tooth decay. This bacterial plaque is the primary cause of 90% of all dental disease.

One of the best ways to enjoy sweet treats without harming your teeth is to avoid sticky, sweet foods such as caramels, raisins and dried fruit that dissolve slowly and stick to your teeth. The same goes for hard candies (such as lollipops) or sugary cough drops. In contrast, a chocolate bar dissolves quickly, making it a somewhat healthier snack.

Logical reasons to eat chocolate

One of the most compelling reasons to eat chocolate is that it tastes delicious. But did you also know that it can make you smarter?

Back in the mid-1970s, psychologist Merrill Elias began studying the relationship of blood pressure to brain performance. The study continued for decades, and expanded over the years to gauge the connections between food and general health.

After 40 years, Elias’ research revealed an interesting insight into people who consume chocolate – in general, those who eat chocolate at least one a week tend to be cleverer than those who don’t.

Those findings, detailed in a study, are explained in a report by the Chicago Tribune. Researchers found “significant positive associations” between chocolate intake and cognitive performance. The chocolate eaters who participated in the study showed no history of being particularly brilliant before they began eating chocolate. Wow.

So what’s the magic ingredient in chocolate? No one knows yet. They suspect, and other studies have indicated, that cocoa flavanols have a helpful effect on people’s brains. Various studies have credited cocoa flavanols with the ability to reduce age-related loss of brain functioning, and “positively influence psychological processes”. It seems likely that cocoa flavanols may increase blood flow to the brain, which would enhance some brain functions. Bonus: chocolate contains methylxanthines, plant-produced compounds believed to increase concentration levels.

Dark chocolate can also be beneficial for your heart health. A study conducted by Walden University’s School of Nursing shows that blood pressure significantly decreased in participants, mainly due to the chocolate’s heavy concentration of flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants.

Treat your teeth right

When you eat chocolate, or any sugary food or drink, it’s best to do so as part of a meal instead of as a snack. Salvia flows more freely when you’re eating a full meal, so sugars will spend less time in your mouth. Have that chocolate for dessert, rather than a between-meal snack. And do rinse your mouth with water after eating chocolate if you can’t follow up with a brush and floss.

Remember even the healthiest food can cause dental decay if you don’t practice good oral hygiene at home and see your dentist regularly. Brush for two minutes twice a day, and floss at least once. See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

If regular dental care doesn’t fit into your budget, get healthier with a dental savings plan. A dental savings plan can cut dental costs by 10-60% on most procedures. And while traditional dental insurance has waiting periods and pre-existing conditions, dental savings plans do not. You can join today and start saving within 1-2 business days. Learn more about dental savings plans today, so you can enjoy that chocolate on Valentine’s Day (and beyond!).

Here’s to sweet, healthy smiles!