Although Schumacher and Bauer, DDS does not endorse the findings in the Dentistry Today article until further research is performed, the below may make chocolate lovers feel better during the holiday season (and the rest of the year). Regardless, have a wonderful Holiday Season!
For the 40 million Americans who suffer from tooth sensitivity, relief may now come in the form of chocolate.
A naturally occurring extract in cacao, called Rennou, has been found to work better than fluoride to restore and repair enamel.
This research was done at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Eighty patients compared the enamel strengthening potential of Theodent toothpaste, which contains the extract, to standard, fluoride-based toothpastes.
Researchers examined each product’s ability to repair and remineralize exposed dentin.
Patients who brushed with Theodent twice a day for one week were noted to have their dentinal tubules re-mineralized or repaired, alleviating sensitivity.
Source: Dentistry Today, “Chocolate Better than Fluoride?” November 20, 2013
