Many people reach for mint candies or breath fresheners to combat bad breath, but could these treats contribute to cavities? Let’s examine how effective and safe these breath-freshening candies are.
Do Mint Candies Cause Cavities?
To get straight to the point, the alternative sweeteners used in breath-freshening candies don’t fuel cavity-causing bacteria like mutant streptococci. Unlike regular sugar, these sweeteners don’t lead to the production of acids that erode teeth.
Breath-freshening candies rely on alternative sugars instead of regular sugar for sweetness. For example, “Eclipse,” one of the most popular breath-freshening, contains sorbitol, magnesium stearate, artificial flavors, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and coloring agents (based on the peppermint flavor). Among these, sorbitol, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose are the alternative sweeteners, while magnesium stearate provides a smooth texture. The peppermint aroma comes from artificial flavoring.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While these candies don’t pose a risk for cavities due to the absence of sugar, consuming them habitually is not recommended. Other ingredients like menthol, flavorings, and coloring agents can dry out the mouth, allowing anaerobic bacteria that cause bad breath to thrive.
A Better Approach to Fresh Breath
Instead of relying on candies, try using dental floss and a tongue cleaner and drinking plenty of water to maintain fresh breath. If bad breath persists, it might be due to deeper issues like cavities, gum disease, or gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux, requiring a consultation with a dentist or doctor.
If you still prefer to consume breath-freshening candies, opt for those sweetened with xylitol. Unlike other sweeteners, xylitol has the added benefit of preventing cavities while promoting saliva production, which helps to keep the mouth moist and neutralize acids.
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