You’ve just finished your favorite pasta dish and although enjoyable, you don’t necessarily want to make it obvious to others what you just ate. Realizing that you can smell the garlic each time you speak, you are eager to get rid of the odor. But should you choose chewing gum or breath mints? Which one is better? Keep reading to find out which option will keep your breath smelling fresh.
Why Choose Chewing Gum Instead of Breath Mints?
While you might enjoy a nice spearmint-flavored breath mint, you’re better off reaching for a stick of your favorite chewing gum instead.
There are a few reasons for this including the fact that mints are hard and can potentially put your teeth at risk of breakage. Also, they often contain more sugar than you might realize, which can be harmful to your pearly whites because of the increased chance of tooth decay.
Instead, chewing gum, especially those that are sugar-free, offers a safer alternative. Some even contain Xylitol, which is a compound that tastes like sugar but has fewer calories, and it helps to keep your salivary glands working. As a result, harmful acids are neutralized, lowering the possibility of cavity formation.
Are There Negative Side Effects of Chewing Gum?
Although your teeth are safer when choosing sugar-free chewing gum as opposed to breath mints, there is the possibility that you might suffer from a sore jaw if you chew it too often.
Overworking your jaw can lead to inflammation and additional issues that cause extreme discomfort. This is why it is recommended that you do not chew gum for extended periods (i.e., no more than 15-20 minutes). Enjoying a stick after a meal or before speaking in close proximity to colleagues isn’t a bad idea but doing it regularly may cause you to experience some soreness if you’re not careful.
When looking for a solution to curb your bad breath, keep your favorite sugar-free chewing gum on hand and enjoy fresher breath with greater peace of mind.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana at TrueCare Dentistry understands what it means to provide world-class care. No matter the situation or circumstance, he and his team are here to deliver timely and affordable dentistry. For those who have healthy teeth and want to maintain damage- and decay-free smiles, they can still benefit from meeting with Dr. Rana and his team. Whether it is improving oral hygiene habits or learning which method is best to freshen one’s breath, we invite you to visit our website or call (469) 399-7288 and let us help.