{"id":198,"date":"2023-02-10T05:17:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-10T05:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacedental.com\/blog\/?p=198"},"modified":"2023-02-10T05:17:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T05:17:00","slug":"breath-mints-or-chewing-gum-for-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pacedental.com\/blog\/breath-mints-or-chewing-gum-for-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Breath Mints vs. Chewing Gum: Which is Better for Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Imagine you need to freshen your breath after a meal. However, you don\u2019t have access to a toothbrush or mouthwash. You might think to have a breath mint or some chewing gum in that situation. Which of the two options, though, is better for your teeth? It\u2019s an important question, as a fresher mouth won\u2019t mean much if it harms your pearly whites<\/a>. To learn the answer, let your local Vienna dentist explain things. Here, then, is a summary of why sugar-free gum is more helpful to your smile (and breath) than a mere mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Breath Mints \u2013 A Source of Sneaky Sugar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

True enough, a breath mint can do as advertised and fix your bad breath. It may even be pretty tasty to you. Even so, don\u2019t expect this product to help your smile. Many mints, in fact, are as sugary as store-bought candies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you keep up with oral health facts, you already know sugar is terrible for your chompers. The carb erodes your enamel by attracting acid-producing bacteria. As such, a mint will likely put you at risk of tooth decay and cavities. You\u2019re thus better off skipping it, no matter how wafer-thin it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Sugar-Free) Chewing Gum \u2013 A Boost for Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In contrast to breath mints, sugar-free chewing gum can freshen your mouth and help your teeth. The latter feature, especially, stems from the two gum effects listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased Saliva Flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum stimulates your saliva. That\u2019s good, as the mouth liquid rinses out and neutralizes plaque-causing acids. Plus, it replaces the minerals in your enamel, strengthening your top tooth layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get this tooth-healthy outcome, try to chew gum for at least 20 minutes after a meal. Doing so for that long ensures the saliva has a chance to build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less Bacterial Sticking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many brands of non-sugary gum contain xylitol \u2013 a natural sweetener found in various fruits and veggies. Unlike sugar, however, this material actually works to keep teeth healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see, xylitol prevents plaque bacteria from sticking to your enamel. The result is that it reduces your risk of tooth decay and even helps reverse it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Won\u2019t Replace Oral Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re tempted, don\u2019t use gum as a substitute for proper oral hygiene. The substance still doesn\u2019t work as well as standard dental care. Consequently, you should remember to keep doing the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n