Best Dentist-Recommended Gum (Top Picks)
Dentist Tested & Reviewed
Chewing gum has long been a popular pastime, but not all gums are created equal regarding oral health.
Some can even offer dental benefits when chosen wisely.
Dive into our list of the top 5 dentist-recommended gum that not only freshen your breath but also promote a healthier mouth.
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 300+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Dentists-Recommended Gum from a dentist’s perspective.
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Buying Guide
- Best Overall: TheraBreath Fresh Breath
- Best Dry Mouth: ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing
- Best Gum Defense: Spry Dental Defense
- Best Natural: Simply Peppermint
- Best Xylitol: Pur Gum | 100% Xylitol
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Is Chewing Gum Beneficial?
I love chewing gum because it has many benefits, including stimulating saliva to wash away bacteria. Chewing gum isn’t just about freshening your breath.
When chosen correctly, it can play a significant role in enhancing oral health. Here’s how:
Benefits
- Saliva Production: Chewing gum boosts saliva production, which neutralizes acids, lowering the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
- Cleaning Action: Gum can capture and remove food particles between teeth, serving as a cleaning agent.
- Tooth Strengthening: Many gums contain xylitol, which reduces harmful mouth bacteria and helps remineralize enamel.
- Combating Bad Breath: Minty gum freshens breath, and increased saliva flow helps wash away bad-breath-causing bacteria.
- Reducing Acidic Drink Consumption: Using gum as an alternative to sugary or acidic drinks can decrease the risk of tooth erosion and cavities.
Did you know that more than 100,000 tons of chewing gum are consumed every year worldwide?
Always remember, while gum can be a helpful tool in your oral care routine, it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Recommended Reading: 5 Best TheraBreath Mouthwash 2024 (Dentist Recommended)How to Choose the Right Gum
Navigating the gum aisle can be overwhelming with the myriad of choices available. But not all gum varieties are created equal, especially if oral health is your primary concern.
Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice:
Key Features
- Sugar-Free Gum: Choose sugar-free options to avoid feeding mouth bacteria and increasing acid production, which can lead to decay.
- Xylitol Content: Look for gum with xylitol, a natural sweetener that combats harmful bacteria, prevents cavities, and aids in enamel remineralization.
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: This seal indicates the gum has been tested for safety and effectiveness in promoting oral health.
- Appropriate Texture: Avoid gums that are too hard or sticky, which can harm teeth or dental work. Opt for soft, non-residue leaving options.
- Flavor Longevity: Longer-lasting flavors encourage more chewing, increasing saliva production and benefiting dental health.
- Natural Ingredients: Some prefer gum made with natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: If environmental impact is a concern, consider brands with biodegradable gum bases and sustainable packaging.
Best Dentist-Recommended Gum
With so many gum options on the market, it can be a challenge to discern which ones are genuinely beneficial for your oral health. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve narrowed down the top picks from a dentist’s perspective. Here are the top 5 dentist-recommended gums that not only promise fresh breath but also deliver on the promise of better oral health. Dive in to find your perfect chew!
1. Best Overall | TheraBreath Fresh Breath
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Chewing Gum is certified vegan and made from healthy, clinically-proven ingredients.
We formulated our chewing gum to be sugar-free and sweetened it with xylitol, a natural sweetener proven to reduce tooth decay.
This product is sold in six sheets of ten pieces of chewing gum.
Dentist Review
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Gum is more than just a regular chewing gum. It’s an innovative oral care solution meticulously formulated for multifaceted benefits.
Key Features
- Zinc Supplementation: Each piece contains 8mg of zinc, addressing mouth dryness and halitosis, supporting fresh breath and overall oral health.
- Sugar-Free & Dentist Formulated: Its sugar-free nature prevents feeding harmful bacteria, with dentist formulation ensuring a focus on oral health.
- Dual-Action Cleaning: Features a crunchy exterior for teeth cleaning and a citrus mint core with zinc to effectively fight bad breath.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: The formula with oxygenating zinc compounds provides extended freshness beyond initial use.
- Vegan Certified & Premium Quality: Suitable for those with vegan diets. As part of TheraBreath’s premium range, it offers comprehensive oral care, addressing issues like bad breath and gum disease.
2. Best Dry Mouth | ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing
This moisturizing gum is specially formulated to help soothe dry mouth, freshen breath and stimulate saliva production every time you chew.
ACT Gum for Dry Mouth is perfect for taking on the go. Keep a 20-piece pack in your purse, briefcase or backpack to fight dry mouth when needed. Also, try ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum in Bubble Fresh flavor. Best of all, ACT gum products are sugar-free.
Dentist Review
ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum has been specifically formulated for those who experience dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and detrimental to oral health.
Key Features
- Targeted Relief for Dry Mouth: Designed specifically to alleviate dry mouth, stimulating saliva production for natural mouth hydration and comfort.
- Xylitol-Infused: Contains xylitol, a natural sweetener recommended by dentists, enhancing taste while fighting harmful bacteria and aiding enamel remineralization.
- Soothing Mint Flavor: Offers fresh breath and a calming effect, ideal for those with dry mouth symptoms.
- ADA Seal of Acceptance: Rigorously tested and recognized by the American Dental Association as beneficial for oral health.
- Convenient and Portable: Compact packaging allows easy, on-the-go use for immediate dry mouth relief anytime, anywhere.
3. Best Gum Defense | Spry Dental Defense
Spry spearmint gum is sugar-free and sweetened with 100% natural xylitol.
Spry gum freshens and moisturizes your mouth without artificial flavors and may help to prevent dental cavities.
Spry gum will help to fight bad breath and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Dentist Review
Spry Fresh Natural Spearmint Xylitol Gum sets itself apart as a top choice for individuals prioritizing gum defense and overall oral health.
Key Features
- High Xylitol Content: Spry gum is known for its significant xylitol levels, which hinder harmful bacterial growth, helping reduce cavity risk and enhance gum health.
- Refreshing Spearmint Flavor: Offers a clean, crisp spearmint taste that refreshes breath and invigorates the senses.
- Natural Ingredients: Committed to using natural components, Spry avoids artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, appealing to those preferring organic options.
- Oral Health Support: Regular use can neutralize mouth pH, decreasing the chance of acid erosion and boosting oral hygiene.
- Non-GMO and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary requirements, being both non-GMO and gluten-free, providing reassurance for health-conscious users.
4. Best Natural | Simply Peppermint
Most gum out there is made of a synthetic plastic base.
The FDA allows companies to hide synthetic substances under the term "gum base" on the label. This includes polyvinyl acetate or synthetic plastic.
Simply Gum uses a tree sap, called chicle, instead.
Dentist Review
For the conscientious consumer who seeks purity in their products, Simply Gum Natural Peppermint Chewing Gum offers a breath of fresh air in the gum market.
Key Features
- All-Natural Ingredients: Simply Gum uses only natural components, avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors found in many commercial gums.
- Handcrafted & Biodegradable: Produced in small, handcrafted batches with a biodegradable base, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Refreshing Peppermint Flavor: Natural peppermint provides a clean, refreshing taste and naturally freshens breath.
- Transparent Ingredient List: The brand’s openness ensures consumers know exactly what they are consuming. Ingredients include natural chicle, organic cane sugar, organic vegetable glycerin, and organic rice flour.
- Plastic-Free Packaging: Aligning with its natural focus, the packaging is entirely plastic-free, enhancing its eco-friendliness.
5. Best Xylitol | Pur Gum | 100% Xylitol
PUR Gum is Aspartame-Free and Naturally Sweetened with 100% Xylitol!
Xylitol is a naturally occurring pentose sugar alcohol that looks and tastes just like sugar yet has 40% fewer calories.
The body processes xylitol without using insulin, making it safe for diabetics. Xylitol which helps to decrease plaque buildup.
Dentist Review
PUR Gum stands out in the crowded market of chewing gums, especially for those who prioritize their oral health.
Here are some reasons why this gum is highly recommended.
Key Features
- Xylitol as Primary Sweetener: PUR Gum uses xylitol, reducing harmful mouth bacteria growth and aiding tooth enamel remineralization, lowering cavity risk.
- Sugar-Free and Aspartame-Free: Free from sugar and aspartame, offering sweet taste benefits without the oral health risks or aspartame concerns.
- Natural Ingredients: Focuses on natural ingredients, ideal for those avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Vegan and Non-GMO: Appeals to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers with its vegan and non-GMO qualities.
- Taste and Texture: The Wintergreen flavor provides a refreshing, long-lasting taste, and the gum’s texture promotes extended chewing, enhancing saliva production for oral health.
My Experience & Expertise
As a dentist, I appreciate the multifaceted roles gum can play in oral health.
From fighting dry mouth to using natural ingredients, the right gum can be beneficial.
However, it’s essential to view gum as a supplement, not a substitute, to a robust oral hygiene routine. Always prioritize regular dental check-ups and make informed choices about the products you use.
In the end, informed decisions and consistent care are paramount to maintaining a healthy smile.
Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
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