Expert says you're eating advent chocolate wrong and it's damaging your teeth
Share:
The arrival of December signals the start of advent calendar season, with many indulging in their delicious treats this morning. However, an expert has warned that the manner in which you consume it could potentially harm your teeth. It's common knowledge that excessive chocolate consumption isn't ideal for dental health due to the high sugar content, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
But naturally, you crave your morning fix as you savour tasty treats in the run-up to Christmas - so how can you relish the chocolate while also safeguarding your teeth? Dr Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist at leading invisible orthodontics chain Impress, has offered advice on the optimal time to eat your advent calendar and which calendars are most beneficial for your dental health.
He suggests consuming chocolate in the morning, but advises waiting an hour before brushing your teeth afterwards. He stated: "You might think that waiting until the evening to eat your advent chocolate is the healthier option. But, chocolate will give you a great mental and physical boost in the morning due to its caffeine and sugar content. It's also packed full of flavonols, the antioxidant that helps to delay cell damage caused by the oxidants that we are exposed to daily from things like air pollution, cigarette smoke, and alcohol. Chocolate actually contains more antioxidants than green tea.
"Wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth after eating anything containing acid or sugar to maintain strong enamel." He also highlighted that those undergoing aligner treatment might experience increased sensitivity and should "give your mouth a good rinse with a glass of water after eating your chocolate to reduce the risk of causing any damage to your teeth.".
