Best Chewing Gum for Bad Breath

The effect of chewing gum on bad breath is negative because it often increases bad breath. Rubber sulfur polymers are the basis of chewing gum. In other words, chewing gum, like all rubbers, consists of polymers with sulfur. The bacteria in the mouth, on the other hand, cause bad breath by converting them into malodorous volatile compounds. However, chewing gums may contain other substances besides sulfur. Apart from these, gum also has a mechanical mouth-cleaning feature. Then, what is the best chewing gum for bad breath? We can list the basic ingredients and properties of chewing gum as follows.

Sulfur Compounds

It is the sulfide bonds that give the gum that rubbery effect and allow us to chew it without breaking. The sulfur contained in the gum is a nutrient for bacteria. Bacteria take this stretch rubber material, break it down, and turn it into odorous sulfurous substances (gases) that can fly. This can cause a bad odor in the mouth.

Best Chewing Gum for Bad Breath: Free of Sweeteners and Alcohol

Many chewing gums contain alcohol and sweeteners that can increase bad breath. If the gum contains alcohol, is sweetened with sugary substances, or has a base-based structure such as sodium hydroxide, these will increase bad breath. These products will trigger the initiation of bad breath even if there is no odor in the mouth. In terms of sugar-free chewing gum, ADA-approved ones may be the most beneficial for consumers. These are Bazooka Sugar-Free Bubble Gum, Mentos Gum Pure Fresh, ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES Sugar-Free Chewing Gum series, Orbit Sugarfree Gum series, and Trident Sugarfree Gum series. 

Best Chewing Gum for Bad Breath: Containing Zinc Compounds

Zinc compounds precipitate volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad odor produced by bacteria in the mouth, thereby removing bad odor. So, it is more beneficial to choose chewing gum containing zinc (zinc gluconate, zinc lactate, zinc acetate, zinc citrate) considering the effects of zinc on removing bad breath. In fact, as an ingredient, the most effective zinc compound against bad breath is zinc chloride. However, this compound is not used in chewing gum. Zinc gluconate is the best alternative to zinc chloride in terms of effectiveness. And, zinc citrate, is thought to be less effective than the others since it is not thought to be a water-soluble substance.

Accordingly, while zinc-containing chewing gum, for example, TheraBreath Fresh Breath Sugar-Free Chewing Gum (contains zinc gluconate), CB12 Boost Sugar-Free Gum Strong Mint (contains zinc acetate),  quip Sugarfree Chewing Gum (contains zinc citrate) remove bad breath, but chewing gum without zinc can’t do it effectively.

Mechanical Cleaning

Gums also have the feature of mechanically cleaning the inside of the mouth. 

Conclusion

Finally, it should be underlined that chewing gum generally increases bad breath due to the sulfur in its chemical structures. Therefore, the best chewing gum for bad breath should contain zinc. If so it does not cause a bad odor in the mouth or cause less bad breath. If this happens, chewing gum will be more useful.