It feels natural to pop in a mint or two when you’re experiencing bad breath. But have you ever noticed that there are times when it seems like the mints you are eating actually make your breath worse? It’s not just your imagination. Here’s what you need to look out for when it comes to breath mints.
The Tooth Truth Behind Bad Mints
The culprit behind your worsening bad breath may be mints that contain sugar. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and release a harmful acid byproduct that attacks your teeth’s enamel. This means that your sugary mints are encouraging the growth of more bacteria, the development of cavities, and tooth discoloration. Yikes! Nobody wants that when they eat a Tic Tac® or Altoid®.
Choose the Correct Mint for Better Breath
If you are a fan of mints but want to protect your teeth, don’t worry—you have other options. Xylitol, a natural sweetener that’s classified as a sugar alcohol (but contains neither!), is proven to support healthy teeth and fend off bad-breath bacteria. Best of all, it doesn’t compromise the sweet taste of your mint! When you are at the store, be sure to read the ingredient label on a mint’s package. Mints without sugar that instead have xylitol are safe for your teeth, so it’s easy to tell which mints Dr. Marshall would recommend to you.
Another Benefit of Sugar-Free Mints
Not only do sugar-free mints freshen up your breath and help combat cavity-causing bacteria, but they also encourage saliva production. Saliva is essential for wicking bad-breath bacteria off the surface of your teeth. It’s a win-win!
Sugar-Free Mints + Preventive Care
Chewing a sugar-free mint is a great way to freshen up your breath guilt-free, but remember that mints are no replacement for daily brushing and flossing. Eliminating plaque twice a day and coming to see us every six months are the best ways to prevent chronic bad breath and other ailments like tooth decay and gum disease. Visit us at River Vista Family Dental for all of your oral care needs. We want you to have a healthy smile that you can’t wait to show off. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!