As someone who is deeply committed to oral health and hygiene, I’m constantly on the hunt for products that not only keep my breath fresh but also contribute to the well-being of my teeth. Chewing gums have always been a personal favorite, and I have a special fondness for those containing Xylitol.
As we all know, added sugar is considered one of the most harmful ingredients in our modern diet. It’s a major culprit behind dental plaque, tooth decay, and even bad breath, as oral bacteria feed on the glucose from the sugary foods we consume. During the process of converting sugar to energy, these bacteria create acid as a waste product. This acid is responsible for dissolving the crystals of our teeth and causing mineral loss, which ultimately leads to tooth decay or cavities.
As a sugar alcohol and natural sweetener, xylitol has become increasingly popular worldwide. Its striking similarity to sugar in terms of look and taste, combined with its lower calorie content, makes it an attractive option. However, what truly sets xylitol apart from sugar and other sugar substitutes—such as stevia, aspartame, sorbitol, mannitol, and saccharine—is its unique property: oral bacteria cannot metabolize it. This means that these bacteria are unable to break xylitol down into acids.
So, when you chew gum with xylitol or use it as a sweetener, the harmful bacteria in your mouth are essentially starved to death. Research has shown that xylitol-sweetened chewing gum can decrease levels of bad bacteria by 27–75% without affecting the friendly bacteria in our mouths. This is what makes xylitol so powerful — it essentially starves the bad bacteria in your mouth while leaving the good ones untouched. Additionally, xylitol promotes mineralization by increasing salivary flow when used in chewing gum. This helps to neutralize acids and prevent tooth decay—which is why dentists often recommend it these days!
I first learned about xylitol from Dr. Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D., during her appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience. She shared her personal experience with xylitol gum, and I highly recommend watching the episode to learn more.
In this blog post, I will share with you my favorite brands of chewing gums that have all been formulated exclusively with xylitol—no other sugar substitutes. This ensures their quality and effectiveness. So let’s get right into it!
1. Xylichew
The first one is Xylichew, a brand of gum that uses a preservative-free base and is made with xylitol extracted from birch trees. With a generous amount of xylitol (1g per 1.3g serving), this gum can help improve dental health—and it won’t raise your blood sugar levels!
Upon opening the bag, I was greeted by an amazing smell, and the taste of the gum was pretty good too. The gum pieces are white and, although I wish they were larger, they pack a punch in terms of flavor. However, the flavor does fade quickly, which seems to be a common issue with xylitol-based gums. Despite this, Xylichew still lasted longer than other brands like Lotte that I’ve tried.
One of the things I love about this gum is how it helps with my dry mouth during workouts. It stays soft no matter how long I chew it, which is a definite plus.
Xylichew offers seven flavors: Spearmint, Ice Mint, Raspberry, Natural Fruit, Black Licorice, Cinnamon, and Peppermint. My all-time favorite is the Natural Fruit flavor, which tastes similar to Juicy Fruit gum.
The gum is available in several pack sizes, including 12, 50, 60, and 500 packs. I purchased the 50-pack bag version, which fits perfectly in my gym bag and has a sturdy zip closure. The bag is convenient for carrying in my gym bag and zips up nicely. Each piece of gum has just 1 gram of carbohydrates, making it a guilt-free choice for those watching their carb intake.
Xylichew is made in the USA, and the price is quite reasonable for a xylitol gum. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option that avoids artificial sweeteners, Xylichew is a no-brainer!
2. PUR Gum
I recently had the pleasure of trying PUR gum, and I must say it has quickly become one of my favorite chewing gums. With a variety of flavors like Cinnamon, Spearmint, and Bubblegum, there’s something for everyone. The flavors are initially strong, but after about a minute, they mellow out to a pleasant, mild sweetness. What’s more, the gum retains a hint of flavor even after extended chewing.
The texture of PUR gum is slightly stiff, but the quality of ingredients used, such as xylitol, makes it worth it. This aspartame-free gum is not only good for your teeth but also helps eliminate morning breath. I also noticed that the gum didn’t become sticky like other sugar-free gums I’ve tried, which was a pleasant surprise.
As someone who suffers from chronic dry mouth, I found that chewing PUR gum provided relief from dryness while also cleaning my teeth. Plus, at only 5 calories per 2 pieces, I can enjoy this gum guilt-free!
The packaging of PUR gum is impressive, as it comes in resealable zip-lock bags that help keep the gum fresh. Each pouch contains 55 pieces of gum, which is a generous amount for the price. With just 2 pieces, I was able to blow bubbles, adding an element of fun to my chewing experience. For those who enjoy trying different flavors, PUR gum also offers a variety pack.
3. Spry Gum
I first tried Spry gum as a gift from a friend, and I immediately fell in love with it! I have been using it on and off ever since. Each piece contains 0.72g of xylitol, which is a good amount for me to chew.
The gum itself is white and has a slightly tougher texture compared to other gums like PUR. It doesn’t have an overwhelming flavor like Orbit, but it’s still quite enjoyable. However, the flavor doesn’t last very long – only about 10 minutes – and the gum does become quite hard over time. On the bright side, it gives your jaw a good workout and doesn’t stick to any dentures that you may have. Plus, it’s perfect for blowing bubbles!
It comes in a variety of flavors, such as Spearmint, Bubble Gum, Fresh Fruit, Cinnamon, Licorice, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Green Tea. My personal favorite is the Fresh Fruit flavor, which is absolutely delightful. I also tried the Licorice flavor, and it tastes just like licorice candy. The gum is low in calories, with only 1.7 calories per piece, and it’s gluten-free, which is great for those with dietary restrictions.
Spry gum comes in a variety of pack sizes, including 10, 27, 55, 100, and even a whopping 550 count. I personally prefer the 55-count size, but it’s been difficult to find it in local food stores. However, the large packs are available in reusable and easily recyclable jar containers, which is fantastic for both affordability and minimizing waste.
I’ve found it convenient to keep some Spry gum in my purse to help prevent dry mouth or bad breath when I’m on the go. In fact, if you suffer from conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or Dry mouth, this bubblegum can be a real lifesaver, as it helps stimulate saliva production. Give it a try and see if it’s the right fit for you!
4. Epic Gum
Recently, I decided to give Epic xylitol chewing gum a try to see how it compares to the other options available. It has a size and texture similar to the chewing gum Chiclets, with each piece having a crunchy outer shell.
Epic gum offers a range of flavors, including Peppermint, Bubblegum, Cinnamon, Fresh Fruit, Orange-mango, Spearmint, and Wintergreen. In comparison to other xylitol gums I’ve tried, the Peppermint flavor of Epic stands out as exceptionally tasty, although the flavor doesn’t last as long as I would prefer. The flavor intensity is not as strong as some other brands but still provides an enjoyable chewing experience.
The gum didn’t stick to my dentures, which was a huge plus for me. However, I did notice that after about 30 minutes of chewing the gum tended to fall apart. Despite this—the consistency generally stayed soft and had a nice feel.
Epic gum offers a variety of pack sizes, including 12, 50, 500, and 1000 pieces, making it easy to find the perfect amount for your needs. The large bag of 1000 pieces lasts a long time and is a great value. Each piece weighs 1.5g and contains 1.06g of xylitol, guaranteeing that it is sweetened solely with xylitol. I usually chew this gum after a meal or sugary snack to help clean my teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.
5. XyloBurst
One thing I noticed about XyloBurst gum is that the pieces are slightly larger than other gums like Spry. Initially, the gum is quite hard, making chewing a bit of a workout. Unfortunately, it doesn’t soften up much as you chew, and you can’t blow bubbles with it.
The moment I start chewing this gum, I am instantly refreshed by its delightful taste. My personal favorite is the Peppermint flavor, while my husband prefers Cinnamon. However, I found that the flavor does fade rather quickly. Despite this, the gum retains a faint peppermint taste, allowing me to continue chewing it without any unpleasant aftertaste. The gum is also available in other flavors such as Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Fresh Fruit, and Green Tea.
I typically chew it following meals, after having coffee, or when I feel hungry while sitting at my desk. Each piece of chewing gum contains just 2.4 calories and 1g of xylitol. The 100-piece jar is quite convenient, especially for keeping in the car since it fits perfectly in the cup holder. I generally have one piece daily after lunch, so a jar lasts me about three months.
When it comes to the price, I do find it a bit steep, which makes it challenging to purchase regularly. Additionally, it’s not the easiest gum to find in stores. However, I do think the benefits of chewing this gum are well worth it, and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their oral health and prevent cavities.
6. Zellie’s Gum
Zellie’s Dental Gum was founded by dentist Dr. Ellie Phillips. After reading her informative book, “Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye: A Do-it-yourself Mouth Care System for Healthy, Clean Gums, and Teeth,” I learned about the benefits of xylitol for oral health and decided to give this gum a try. It’s been a game-changer for my after-meal routine: I feel cleaner and fresher when I use it!
Upon trying Zellie’s gum, I found the Cinnamon flavor to be quite accurate and enjoyable, providing a satisfying burst of flavor with each chew. The initial spiciness fades quickly, leaving a pleasant taste. I also tried their Peppermint flavor, which was intense and reminiscent of Altoids. However, I found their Spearmint flavor to be a bit too weak and sweet for my liking. Dr. Ellie suggests chewing the gum only until the flavor disappears, which takes about a minute or two.
The texture of the gum is just right – not too soft, not too hard. It maintains its consistency for a decent amount of time. After chewing the gum, I noticed that drinking water left a surprisingly sweet, subtly fruity taste in my mouth.
A piece of gum contains 1 gram of xylitol, and Dr. Ellie recommends chewing five pieces per day for the best results. Zellie’s gum comes in packs of 100 and 240 pieces, as well as variety packs. The 100-piece pack comes in a bottle, while the 240-piece pack comes in a resealable package. Unfortunately, I found that the resealable package didn’t close properly, which was a drawback. The gum itself is free of artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives and is made in the USA.
The price point for Zellie’s gum is a bit on the higher side, but considering the dental health benefits and the quality of the product, I believe it’s worth the investment. It’s also one of the few brands without glycerine in the ingredients, which is a great bonus.
7. B-Fresh Gum
B-Fresh is a relatively old brand, but I was intrigued by its vegan-friendly ingredients and the addition of Calcium and Vitamin B12.
The gum has a soft texture, with a nice crunchy shell that sets it apart from other brands. The pieces are bigger than average, and they remain soft and easy to chew throughout the experience. One downside, however, is that the gum can be incredibly sticky, sometimes sticking to my teeth and dentures.
The gum comes in a variety of flavors, such as Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Spearmint, Mixed Fruit, and Lemon. Personally, I found the Spearmint flavor to be quite enjoyable. The flavor lasts for about 4 minutes before starting to fade, but a subtler taste lingers on, providing a pleasant chewing experience.
The packaging of B-Fresh gum strikes a perfect balance between practicality and visual appeal. With options like 12-piece packs or larger 50 and 100-piece bottle containers, the brand caters to both casual and frequent chewers. I prefer the 100-piece bottle, which resembles a large pill container and has a flip-top that makes it easy to open and close. This design not only makes it easy to access the gum but also ensures hassle-free storage.
B-Fresh gum is formulated with birch-derived xylitol and weighs 1.3 grams per piece. Although it’s somewhat more expensive than other gums, the exceptional flavors, oral health advantages, and vegan-friendly ingredients make it a valuable choice in my opinion.
8. Tree Hugger
This gum is marketed as a natural option with better ingredients that are beneficial for dental health. I was particularly intrigued by the fact that it’s made with 100% rainforest chicle and the epic bubble-blowing potential it promises.
The gum is available in four flavors—Bubble Gum, Peppermint, Spearmint, and Wintergreen. I decided to try the Wintergreen flavor first. The initial taste was quite impressive, with a strong and refreshing wintergreen flavor. However, I was disappointed to find that the flavor disappeared rather quickly, within just 1-2 minutes.
The gum was slightly larger than most xylitol-based gums, which I found to be a plus. It was easy to chew, and I was pleasantly surprised by its bubble-blowing capabilities. Considering it’s a xylitol-based gum, it was quite impressive how easily I could blow bubbles with it. In terms of consistency, it remained relatively stable and didn’t become too soft or too hard while chewing.
The gums are each individually wrapped in protective foil paper. This foil can be reused to dispose of the gum when finished, which I found to be convenient. However, I found the packaging to be excessive, with plastic wrap, a large outer box, smaller inner boxes, and individual gum wrappers. This creates a considerable amount of waste, which is not ideal for an environmentally-conscious consumer.
In conclusion, I think Tree Hugger gum makes for a great chewing experience: its rainforest chicle base and xylitol content make it healthier than traditional gums.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — my favorite xylitol chewing gums for keeping your breath fresh and your teeth in top shape. All of these brands use xylitol exclusively as their sweetener, making them an exceptional choice for supporting oral health.
Before incorporating xylitol chewing gum into your routine, be aware of some potential drawbacks. Sugar alcohols like xylitol can cause bloating and other digestive issues if consumed in large quantities. It’s best to limit your daily intake of the sweetener to about 30 grams or less; most brands recommend consuming no more than 10 grams at once.
Additionally, while xylitol is a beneficial artificial sweetener for humans, it’s toxic to dogs due to their unique enzyme chemistry. Make sure to keep your xylitol gum away from your furry friends and contact a vet immediately if they accidentally ingest any.
To conclude, including xylitol chewing gum in your daily oral care routine can notably improve your breath and dental well-being. Give my favorite brands a try and witness the advantages of xylitol for yourself. Just be aware of its side effects and ensure it’s out of reach of your pets. Happy chewing!
Miradent Xylitol Chewing Gum by Hager Pharma is my number one choice. The overall quality is fantastic, and the flavors are long-lasting. The fact that it is a xylitol gum gives me peace of mind knowing I’m making a healthier choice for my oral hygiene.
Trident chewing gum has been a long-time favorite for me. The flavor range is fantastic! But, just be reminded it does have Sorbitol, Aspartame, and Mannitol in addition to Xylitol.
Fazer Xylimax is my top choice because it’s 100% xylitol-sweetened and gelatine-free. As someone who is health-conscious, it’s important to me that it’s made without any artificial sweeteners or gelatine. The Finnish quality and taste make it a cut above the rest for me.
Are these mints or chewing gum? Thank you.
The Peelu Co. Chewing Gum with Xylitol, especially the Peppermint flavor, is my go-to choice. I love the natural taste and the fact that it’s not overly sweet, plus it lasts for a long time. Definitely worth trying if you haven’t already!
Personally, I adore Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Gum with Xylitol. They have a fantastic cooling effect that lasts, and their quirky shape is really fun. I always have a pack with me and offer them to friends, who always seem to love it too.