I recently came across TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges at a local Target and decided to give them a try. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on these lozenges, highlighting both their positive and negative aspects, to give you a clear understanding of what to expect before you decide to try them for yourself.
Active Ingredients and Unique Features
The standout feature of TheraBreath Dry Mouth Lozenges is their unique formula, which includes Zinc as an active ingredient. Zinc not only helps to alleviate dryness but also imparts a refreshing sensation that lasts for a good while. These lozenges also contain Spilanthes Acmella floral extract, which provides a tingling sensation to enhance the overall experience.
While the product is advertised as “sugar-free” and containing Xylitol, a sugar alcohol known for its oral health benefits, the actual primary ingredient is Sorbitol, another sugar alcohol. Unlike Xylitol, Sorbitol may contribute to dental cavities (tooth decay) as it can be slowly fermented in the mouth by certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans. So, it’s worth keeping in mind.
TheraBreath Lozenges are free from artificial colors, artificial flavors, and saccharin. Here is the complete list of ingredients:
Sorbitol, Natural Flavors, Magnesium Stearate, Xylitol, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract Blend, Zinc Gluconate, Rebaudioside A.
Packaging, Size, and Sustainability
These cute little lozenges are small and individually wrapped, making them super easy to carry around in your pocket or purse. Their size also ensures they are not choking hazards, considering they break down quickly once in the mouth. This is a boon for people having difficulty swallowing large tablets or mints.
The lozenges come in packs of 24 and 100, but I had a disappointing finding; there were a few empty wrappers in my 100-count box. I also have to admit that I’m not thrilled about the individual packaging, although it’s convenient for freshness and portability. Each tiny plastic film wrapper can be challenging to open, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night with a dry mouth, which is a tad annoying.
Furthermore, the environmentally-conscious part of me is rather disheartened. The individual wrappers, while functional, are neither biodegradable nor recyclable, leading to quite a bit of non-green waste.
On Flavor, Mouthfeel, and Effectiveness
I’ve been using the Mandarin Mint variant, and I must say, the flavor is palatable – not too intense like some mints can be. It maintains a freshness that doesn’t overpower your taste buds. However, I do have friends who have mixed feelings about the taste combination of mint and orange, so your mileage may vary.
I haven’t yet tried the other flavors offered, such as Tart Berry and Citrus Mint. However, I do wish there were more flavor options like the mouthwash they offer.
A highlight of these lozenges is how they stimulate saliva production, essentially combating dry mouth and freshening your breath for longer than alternatives like Tic Tac or Altoids. They dissolve at a reasonable pace, and the effect, for me, lasts an hour or so. Adding to that, the zinc does contribute to a cleaner mouth feeling.
However, prepare yourself for a little “zesty zing” as they do induce a mild sting on your tongue. This sensation might feel new to some users, but fear not, it’s just part of the experience! Using three or four lozenges daily should be enough to keep your mouth feeling fresh and moist.
Price, Value, and Accessibility
The 100-count pack costs around $10 – a pretty reasonable price point. Comparing TheraBreath to its competitors like Biotene or ACT, I find it more pocket-friendly and long-lasting. You can easily find them at Walmart, Amazon, or even at your local pharmacies, meaning they are accessible when you need them.
My Overall Verdict
To sum it up, I would indeed vouch for TheraBreath Lozenges, particularly for those dealing with dry mouth issues like Sjögren’s syndrome or side-effects of certain medications. They are effective, fairly priced, and easily available.
However, they’re not without their drawbacks—the flavor may be unappealing to some, and the individual wrappers are a double-edged sword; while handy, they do create an unfortunate quantity of plastic waste. The presence of Sorbitol as a leading ingredient, as opposed to the advertised Xylitol, is also a point of contention.
As with any product, it’s crucial to weigh its pros and cons. Hopefully, this frank review helps you make a more informed decision about whether to include TheraBreath Lozenges in your dental care routine. Happy minting!
