Studies have shown that eating chocolate has suppressed cavity development.

Americans will spend an estimated $1.1 million this Valentine's Day, buying more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate candy. Eating all this chocolate may not be as bad for your teeth as suspected, reports the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.

Chocolate contains tannins - a compound that helps prevent cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to the teeth and gums. When mixed with sugar, tannins can reduce the plaque bacteria that cause dental and gum disease. Studies have shown that eating chocolate has suppressed cavity development.

"Just because chocolate contains sugar doesn't mean it is cariogenic or cavity-causing," says Charles Perle, DMD, FAGD, spokesperson of the Academy of General Dentistry. "Chocolate tends to be less cariogenic than previously believed because of a low resting pH level, which means the acid level in the mouth is low."

While chocolate may help reduce cavities, it is still filled with empty calories, and people still need to brush their teeth after eating foods high in sugar. "It is always best to limit the intake of high sugar food and to brush immediately after eating to remove any remaining particles," says Dr. Perle.

Article as seen on ADA News (http://www.ada.org).