{"id":200,"date":"2022-12-22T09:53:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T09:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amazedentaldesoto.com\/blog\/?p=200"},"modified":"2023-01-16T21:54:08","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T21:54:08","slug":"breath-mints-or-chewing-gum-for-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amazedentaldesoto.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/22\/breath-mints-or-chewing-gum-for-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Breath Mints or Chewing Gum: Which is Better for Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Everyone has bad breath from time to time. Some people get it after eating a fragrant meal, while others might have it due to their morning coffee. Whatever the cause, though, many treat the issue with something like a breath mint. However, the truth is that chewing gum is the better option when it comes to your teeth<\/a>. To prove it, your local DeSoto dentist is here with the evidence. Read on, then, to learn why sugar-free gum is more helpful to your smile (and breath) than a mint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Breath Mints Have Sneaky Sugar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might pop a mint to \u201cfreshen up\u201d your breath, but the product won\u2019t do your teeth any favors. Many brands, you see, are as sugary as your typical candy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chances are you already know sugar is bad for oral health. The ingredient feeds harmful oral bacteria, which then produce tooth-eroding acids. Left unchecked, this erosion can cause severe tooth decay and cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Given such effects, you should really limit your intake of mints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chewing Gum is Better for Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So long as you get a sugar-free type, chewing gum is better for your teeth than a mint. In particular, it offers the following benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Unlike most mints, chewing gum makes your mouth produce more saliva. This liquid is perfect for your smile, as it rinses out plaque-causing acids. Plus, saliva replaces the minerals in your enamel and thus strengthens your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To maximize saliva\u2019s effect, try chewing some sugar-free gum for at least twenty minutes after meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduced Plaque Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some brands of sugar-free gum contain xylitol, a natural sweetener found in various fruit, veggies, and mushrooms. While as sweet as any candy, however, this stuff actually protects your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows xylitol prevents plaque from sticking to your enamel. As such, it can reduce and even reverse tooth decay by increasing the re-mineralization of your pearly whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Can’t Replace Oral Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While gum can have positive effects, its benefits fall short of standard dental care. Therefore, you should still remember the essentials of good oral hygiene:<\/p>\n\n\n\n