Fresh Breath Face-Off: Gum Vs. Mints

For eons, people have been trying to freshen their breath before important events. In the fight for supremacy, only two have made it to the top of the chew chain. Sugar-free gum and breath mints will now go-head-to-head to decide which is better for dental health and which will take home the crown of King of Freshness.

If you want to follow the action as these two titans of taste duke it out, continue reading. Two will enter, but only one can win.

Round 1: Sugar Content

Both competitors come out swinging in this first round, willing to show all they’ve got. Sugar-free gum, as its name implies, doesn’t have sugar in it. It uses sugar substitutes like aspartame, stevia, and xylitol. This means that there’s nothing in it for plaque to feed on and produce the acid that turns into cavities.

Most breath mints have some kind of sugar in them, but there are sugar-free varieties available. If you use those, then this round ends in a tie.

Round 2: Bite Risk

Both battlers are entering this round on even footing. Breath mints are designed to dissolve in the mouth, but there is always a temptation to bite down. Depending on the type of mint, this could lead to a chipped or cracked tooth.

Gum, on the other hand, is made to be chewed. It’s sometimes covered in a thin shell to protect it and add flavor, but this is rarely a concern to the integrity of teeth. Gum wins this round!

Round 3: Longevity

Mints may have taken a few good hits last round, but they aren’t looking concerned. After all, breath mints are known for their long-lasting effectiveness when they’re allowed to dissolve properly. Mints are, in fact, built for endurance.

Chewing gum, on the other hand, tends to start strong and fade quickly. However, in a surprise maneuver, it turns out that sugar-free gum keeps its flavor longer than sugar-based gum. This is because saliva dissolves the sugar in the gum much faster than artificial sweeteners.

Round 4: Tooth Benefits

Now heading into the fourth round, mints still have some ground to make up. If both competitors are sugar-free and use xylitol, then they have about the same effectiveness. Mints, unfortunately, don’t have the benefit of cleaning teeth as effectively as sticky gum does.

However, excessive gum chewing can lead to strain on the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw with the base of the skull. This can cause some discomfort and lead to other conditions like teeth grinding. Things are starting to heat up in this bout.

Round 5: Freshness

It’s the final round. Gum and breath mints are giving it their all, but only one can take the title. Which of these competitors will leave your mouth feeling the freshest? While mints are long-lasting and easy on the jaw, sugar-free gum can remove food particles. This may be the winning smack!

Sugar-free gum emerges victorious from a close matchup with breath mints. The dentist judges agree. They conclude that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol will clean teeth, stimulate saliva production, and help fight cavities. At the end of the day, the best way to clean your teeth is by brushing and flossing. However, when that’s not possible, go with the King of Freshness.

About the Practice

Dr. Eric Marsh and Dr. Pisano-Marsh are your dental professionals at Eric J. Marsh, DMD & Michele A. Pisano-Marsh, DMD Dentistry. They’re dedicated to efficient and effective treatment with the latest dental technology and techniques. They strive to make every visit relaxing and productive. Call (610) 432-8037 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more.