THE SCIENCE
Recent studies from the US, Japan, and the UK support the fact that cocoa extract is effective at preventing bacteria, fighting cavities, and remineralizing enamel.
Comparative tests with regular fluoride toothpaste and toothpaste containing cocoa extract have shown that similar or better effect can be achieved with cocoa extract in terms of antibacterial, anticavity, and remineralizing action.
Cocoa Bean Husk Extract (CBHE) - Antibacterial and Anticavity Action
A study by pediatric dentistry researchers concluded that CBHE is highly effective in reducing bacteria and plaque deposits when used as a mouth rinse by children. The study showed a 20.9% decrease in mutant streptococci bacterial counts and a 49.6% decrease in plaque scores in children who used a mouthwash containing CBHE compared to the placebo group, which is a highly significant difference.
The antioxidants in chocolate prevent bacteria called oral streptococci that attack tooth enamel. Cocoa bean extract contains multiple antioxidants that work together to prevent bacteria and build-up of plaque. The extract includes polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Polyphenols prevent the growth of bacteria, which deters tooth decay and gum disease. Tannins prevent bacteria from adhering to the surface of teeth. Flavonoids also reduce dental decay.
Theobromine - Remineralizing and Enamel Strengthening
Theobromine is a naturally occurring compound in cocoa beans, with 2–10% in cocoa powder. It is a white crystalline powder that has been used in toothpaste and mouthwashes in dental studies and has been shown to be highly effective for teeth remineralization.
Studies in human teeth have shown that higher concentrations of theobromine significantly improved the microhardness of enamel, which is directly related to remineralization.
Theobromine was even more effective than fluoride in enhancing enamel hardness because less theobromine was required to produce a much harder enamel compared to the amount of fluoride. Harder enamel is more resistant to acid attack and erosion, which contributes to better dental health.
Theobromine is more effective than fluoride in enamel remineralization and treating tooth sensitivity
ERODED TOOTH SURFACE
ERODED TOOTH SURFACE AFTER BRUSHING WITH FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE
(1 week)
ERODED TOOTH SURFACE AFTER BRUSHING WITH THEOBROMINE TOOTHPASTE (1 week)
Erosion of tooth surfaces is a common issue that is caused by many types of soft drinks, juices, and wine, which can lead to hypersensitivity. An estimated 15–57% of adults suffer from hypersensitivity, and this is on the rise.
An 80-person clinical study determined that theobromine was effective in repairing eroded tooth surfaces and improving tooth sensitivity. These high magnification electron microscope images clearly show that the eroded teeth have small dentinal tube openings that lead to sensitivity to cold or heat. The treatment for sensitivity is to close these tubes. Results after brushing for one week with a toothpaste containing theobromine showed that all tubes on tooth surfaces were fully closed; using fluoride-containing toothpaste resulted in little improvement.
A comparative study of the remineralization potential of theobromine compared with a standard NaF fluoride toothpaste concluded that theobromine in the presence of apatite can enhance remineralization and can be an effective alternative to fluoride in commercial toothpaste. Theobromine at levels 71 times less than fluoride had a similar remineralization effect on enamel.
Enamel Repair by Theobromine
Repair of the enamel surface by theobromine was experimentally proven by scratching the enamel surface with a sharp instrument, applying a theobromine solution for 30 minutes, and observing the repaired, smooth tooth surface after remineralization using high magnification electron microscope imaging.
Enamel repair after theobromine for just 30 minutes
SCRATCHED TOOTH SURFACE
REPAIRED TOOTH SURFACE AFTER APPLICATION OF THEOBROMINE
Cocoa bean Husk - cleaning and plaque removal alternative for plastic microbeads
Most toothpaste contains microbeads that provide the scrubbing action to clean teeth and remove plaque. Plastic microbeads used to be the most common ingredient; however, they were banned internationally due to widespread environmental pollution. In 2016, the Government of Canada, with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act under Schedule 1, added microbeads as a toxic substance and banned the sale, import, or manufacture of toiletries containing plastic microbeads by 2018.
The perfect replacement for polluting plastic microbeads!
Natural alternatives to plastic microbeads are currently experiencing a global rise in demand in the multibillion-dollar personal care market, including toothpaste. Cocoa bean husk is a natural abrasive agent that can be ground up into a fine powder to suit the requirements of dental applications as well as other personal care products. Cocoa bean husk is fully biodegradable. An additional benefit is that cocoa bean husk is a side product from the chocolate manufacturing process, which makes it an attractive lower-cost raw material that is readily available worldwide.
According to Euromonitor International, the ban on plastic microbeads and the trend towards natural ingredients will drive global demand for crushed seeds and other natural abrasives in personal care. Multiple alternatives are currently available, but there is no leading product, which leaves plenty of opportunities for innovation. Sustainable bio-based ingredients with exfoliating properties such as coffee and cocoa bean husks are particularly advantageous because they are left over from processing operations and can be diverted towards higher-value uses.