KEEPING IN TOUCH - FEBRUARY 2023

VALENTINE’S DAY & CHOCOLATE……THE PERFECT DUO
 

Over the years (and centuries), Valentine's Day has been a religious celebration, an ancient ritual day, and a commercial holiday. All that change means the meaning of Valentine's Day is truly whatever you want it to be: you can skip the celebrations completely, buy yourself some chocolate or flowers, or express your love and appreciation for the people in your life, whether they're co-workers, romantic partners, friends, or family members.

If you are looking forward to indulging on some Valentine treats, remember to indulge safely.  For many people during this holiday, one of the most common connection is with chocolate and your teeth.

• Sticky isn’t always so sweet…..for your teeth.  This kind of candy stays on your teeth longer, which gives it more time to grow cavity-causing bacteria.  
• Harder candies can be enjoyed longer, but this gives sugar ample opportunity to get deep in to your teeth.  If you bite down hard, you could break a tooth or bracket if you have braces.  
• If you prefer chocolates, it might be the best option especially if you brush and floss correctly and regularly.  Choose dark chocolate because it contains less sugar than regular milk chocolate. A high-quality brand that is 50% or higher in cocoa is a more natural option and free of additives that can hurt your teeth. Dark chocolate is considered the “healthy” chocolate due to its composition that contains healthful compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids.  Polyphenols are thought to boost digestion and brain health, as well as protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even certain cancers.  Red wine; dark chocolate, tea, and berries are some of the best-known sources thought to lower these risks.  They are also thought to reduce inflammation.  Flavonoids are found in foods like apples, onions, dark chocolate and red cabbage.
• Remind your loved one to drink lots of water and practice good oral hygiene after indulging. Brushing the tongue will discourage bacteria growth as well.

Now, as you walk up and down the candy aisles, we hope this gives you some ideas on what to choose.