Proctor and Gamble plan to introduce a new line of Crest toothpaste flavors the first week of February 2014. At first glance, the new flavors seem interesting but nothing earth-shaking…..Until you realize that one of the flavors is “Be Adventurous” aka, the Mint Chocolate Trek!!! Now, if you are anything like me, you LOVE chocolate. ANY type of chocolate. Chocolate in ANY form. A chocolate lover’s dream is chocolate…wrapped in chocolate, drizzled in chocolate, baked in chocolate….but I digress….
As a chocolate lover, I’m all for this! I cannot wait to get my own tube when it is unveiled. The only bad part about this, as a consumer, is that you cannot SWALLOW this chocolate flavored toothpaste. You enjoy it for 3 minutes and spit it out. Obviously, children will have to be monitored when using this product because it will be hard to overcome the urge to swallow!
As a dentist, this product is a bit iffy to me. As mentioned earlier, most people will feel like swallowing the paste because it will hopefully taste good. This puts us all at an increased chance of getting too much fluoride in our bodies if we mistakenly swallow it. Also, what are the ingredients in this toothpaste? Will it be effective in keeping our interest as we brush or will some people get lost in the chocolatey goodness and forget to brush properly?
Some types of chocolate toothpaste only contain artificial flavoring, but some companies are choosing to use true cacao extract .This cacao not only gives the toothpaste a chocolatey flavor, but research done by Tulane University also supports claims that cacao fights cavities, hardens tooth enamel, and helps keep teeth and gums healthy. Its benefits appear to be similar to that of fluoride.
Another possible benefit present in some types of chocolate toothpaste is xylitol, a sweet substance found naturally in plants. Xylitol sweetens the toothpaste and may also help reduce plaque production in the mouth. Not all of the chocolate toothpastes that will be available will contain xylitol, so those interested in reaping its benefits must read ingredient labels. You will find that some toothpastes only contain sucralose, which does not harm the oral structures but does not help in maintaining their health either.
Although Crest’s new toothpaste flavor may not provide anything new in terms of protection, the experience it promises is unprecedented and innovative!!! Chocolate toothpaste is not something one ever expects to find in the oral hygiene aisle at the store so the idea of a non-mint option is exciting! What is most important with oral care though is that people brush for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, no matter what flavor you prefer, and always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when choosing the right toothpaste for you and your family!
If you end up trying the chocolate toothpaste, please let us know your thoughts!