Chocolate Better Than Fluoride?

A new research published in the dental journal, Caries Research, confirmed what the inventors of Theodent™ toothpaste have always been saying.

Theobromine, an all-natural and organic compound abundant in chocolate, is said to have the ability to re-mineralize and harden tooth enamel better than fluoride. Theobromine is the active ingredient in Rennou. Rennou is the patented chocolate extract found in Theodent toothpastes.

This study is authored by Dr. Ben Amaechi, an associate professor and director of cariology in the department of comprehensive dentistry at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.

This study focused on the enamel-strengthening abilities of theobromine, particularly its ability to re-mineralize or repair tooth enamel weaknesses, which almost always ends up in cavities.

It involved measurements of the micro-hardness of the enamel surface of human teeth after utilizing theobromine and fluoride. The research showed that theobromine increased the size of the apatite crystals. These crystals are supposedly the ones responsible for the formation of tooth enamel.

“This peer-reviewed study, conducted by one of the world’s foremost authorities on caries research, validates the potential of Rennou™ to ultimately replace fluoride in commercial toothpastes,” says Arman Sadeghpour , PhD, Theodent chief executive officer.

“The study’s implications are significant and potentially disruptive for the oral care industry since theobromine is safe to swallow while all fluoride toothpastes still carry FDA mandated ‘do not swallow’ warning labels,” he claimed.

As a response to the safety aspect, Theodent launched Theodent Kids fluoride-free toothpaste as the newest edition to the Theodent oral care line.

Dr. Amaechi’s work acts as a back up to theobromine’s effectiveness as well as its use as a “safe to swallow” substitute to controversial fluoride. The Caries Research requires even deeper research involving humans to make the most of the advantages that come with theobromine in both oral hygiene and caries-preventive products. Theodent Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Tetsuo Nakamoto said “those studies are not far behind.”