The Big Debate: Gums or Mints

Fresh breath is something that everyone strives for, especially after consuming a meal with foods that cause bad breath, such as garlic or onions. As you try to obtain that fresh breath feeling, do you reach for gum or mints? Believe it or not, they are not equal ' one is better than the other. Can you guess which one?

Mints - the Best Choice?

Mints are a great way to get that instant fresh breath that you seek, but they are not the best choice. Because you need to suck on mints, you are exposing your teeth to the sugars in the mints, putting you at risk for tooth decay. Long-term exposure of any type of hard candy is a recipe for tooth decay, especially if you consume them often. In addition, since mints are small and can dissolve quickly, many people consume several of them at a time, putting your mouth at a higher risk for decay.

Gum - Avoid the Sugar!

If you choose sugar-free gum that is approved by the ADA, you are doing your mouth a favor. Gum can also provide fresh breath, just like mints, yet it does not expose your mouth to unnecessary sugars. Sugarless gum can even help to diminish the risk of cavities if you chew it for at least 20 minutes following a meal as it helps to keep the production of saliva high, helping your mouth to get rid of acids and bacteria that would otherwise sit in your mouth and cause decay.

The next time that you are trying to freshen your breath, reach for sugar-free gum that has the ADA seal of approval on it and not only will you freshen your breath, but you can help your oral health stay on track.