Slash gum disease risk by 'eating cheese and dark chocolate' say researchers

When it comes to chocolate, we’ve often been told that dark chocolate in particular has a number of health benefits, with everything from improved brain function to lowered blood pressure among some of the reported effects. Yet one surprising benefit that many people may have overlooked, is that dark chocolate could potentially slash the risk of gum disease, according to experts.

Researchers at Chongqing Medical University in China, recently studied the health benefits of the moreish treat, and discovered that the antioxidants it contains and in particular flavonoids, could lower the risk of gum disease by a whopping 54 per cent.

As a result of the study, the university reported that “our findings suggest the potential of personalised diets” after it discovered that both dark chocolate and cheese, were linked to the significantly lower risk of gum disease. In addition they also linked rice with a 58 per cent lower risk - however, the same couldn’t be said for filtered coffee, which actually increased the risk by 42 per cent, and low-calorie drinks which saw an even greater risk of 57 per cent in total.

So how does dark chocolate actually improve your oral hygiene?

READ MORE: Expert explains whether dark chocolate really is good for you or not

When most of us think of chocolate, improving our oral health isn’t the first thing that springs to mind, but dark chocolate could actually hold the key to cutting gum disease by more than half.

The science behind the theory is that dark chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which naturally contain a compound called flavonoids which are a type of antioxidant that has been linked to various health benefits over the years, including increased cognitive function and heart health.

These same flavonoids are also believed to play a key role in protecting our teeth and gums, with one of the primary benefits of dark chocolate being it’s surprising ability to fight against tooth decay. Several other scientific studies have also shown that certain compounds found in dark chocolate can also slow the growth of harmful mouth bacteria, including one of the main causes of cavities and gum disease - Streptococcus mutans.

It’s this reduction in bacteria that could help to combat the risk of developing significant dental and gum problems in the future.

Additionally, dark chocolate is also filled with a chemical called theobromine, a kind of stimulant that has been found to strengthen tooth enamel and protect them from damage. Stronger enamel, would then make teeth more resistant to acid and erosion from day to day life, and in the process cut the risk of developing cavities in the long run.

How do I know which chocolate to choose?

While there are plenty of studies out there documenting the health benefits of dark chocolate, not all bars have been created equal, with different ratios of cocoa, sugar and additives found in various bars around the globe, which can impact upon their effectiveness.

As a general rule of thumb, many doctors recommend opting for bars with a higher cocoa content, such as 70 per cent or higher and with minimal added sugars, to reap the biggest health benefits overall. It’s also suggested to eat dark chocolate in moderation, and never as a substitute for routine oral hygiene measures, such as regular brushing and flossing.