Celebrate World Chocolate Day!

 

A piece of chocolate a day keeps the dentist away - er, not really. But chocolate actually does provide some benefits for oral health!

The cocoa bean in chocolate has tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids - all of which are powerful antioxidants that help prevent infections and prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth. The darker the chocolate, the least processed and close to the cocoa bean it actually is.

So in honor of World Chocolate Day, treat yourself to some dark chocolate and read up on some other fun chocolate facts:

Chocolate is the food of the gods. Literally! The scientific name for chocolate is Theobroma cacao - literally meaning “food of the gods.” 

Chocolate was once a form of currency. The Maya and Aztecs actually used cocoa beans as a barter currency to exchange for food and clothes! 

Chocolate was a soldiers’ best friend. Chocolate was so valued in America during the Revolutionary War, that it was included in soldiers’ rations and used in lieu of wages!  

White chocolate is a derivative of chocolate. Some argue white chocolate is not actually chocolate. Why? Because its doesn’t contain cocoa solids - the main component of chocolate. 

Milton Hershey’s first love was caramel. It took 17 years for Milton Hersey to even become interested in chocolate making! Starting in the caramel business, it wasn’t until Hersey attended the 1893 World’s Fair that he decide to enter the world of chocolate production. Hershey Chocolate immediately became so successful, he sold his caramel company for $1 million to devote himself to chocolate. 

If you do plan to indulge today, remember - moderation is key! And don't forget to brush and floss afterwards! 

If you have any questions about how to improve your child's oral health please give our offices a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.