Dr. Gunita Singh (plastic surgeon and Laser dentist in Delhi, India with nearly 20 years of experience) said that eating too much of anything sweet, and especially chocolate, is dangerous. .
“Keep these foods away from children as much as possible. Because, while our minds may like chocolate, our teeth don't. Although dark chocolate still has some health benefits, you should avoid letting your child consume milk chocolate and sweet chocolate,” said Dr. Gunita Singh.
Reasons why chocolate is not good for children's teeth
High sugar content: The high sugar content in chocolate promotes the growth of bacteria in the mouth, contributing to plaque and gum disease.
Tooth damage: Bacteria in the mouth convert sugar into acid, leading to tooth damage and cavities.
Weak tooth enamel: The sugar content in chocolate weakens tooth enamel, making teeth sensitive to heat and cold.
Tooth sensitivity: Chocolate contains cocoa, an abrasive that can cause tooth sensitivity and damage tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel degeneration: When we eat chocolate, it sticks to our teeth. Bacteria in our teeth begin to break down food particles, leading to acid production. Acid reduces the pH of the mouth, contributing to tooth enamel degradation.
However, chocolate can be good for the body if consumed in moderation within an hour after finishing a meal.
Benefits of eating dark chocolate
Dr. Gunita Singh points out the benefits of consuming chocolate in moderation including: “Polyphenols in dark, raw and unprocessed chocolate can help fight bacteria in the mouth, reducing bad breath. In addition, flavonoids found in dark chocolate can reduce tooth decay. Antioxidants in dark chocolate are beneficial for overall health, even for gum health.
In addition, according to Dr. Gunita Singh, letting children consume too much chocolate before meals will cause a feeling of fullness, thereby affecting the feeling of eating, but after eating, they will feel hungry very quickly. This disrupts eating habits and affects children's health.
