Living with dry mouth can be a daily challenge. Whether it’s caused by medications, certain health conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, or simply dehydration, the constant discomfort can be irritating. When I discovered ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum, I was curious. I already knew the ACT brand from their fluoride mouthwashes, so I trusted their reputation in oral care. But a gum designed specifically to help with dry mouth? That was something I had to try.
Packaging
The first thing I noticed was the clean and clinical look of the packaging. It features the familiar ACT logo, a reassuring sign for someone already using their products. The design uses white, blue, and green tones, which subtly emphasize its freshness and therapeutic intent. Each piece of gum comes in a blister pack inside a recyclable cardboard box. I liked the practicality of this setup. It’s hygienic, protects the gum from moisture, and is easy to pop into a bag or even a pocket. The labeling is straightforward and informative, listing key details like ingredients and flavor.
One small touch I appreciated was the push-through blister pack format—simple and clean, especially if you’re using it during a workday or on-the-go. And though the mixed foil-plastic material isn’t curbside recyclable, I learned that ACT’s parent company Chattem partners with TerraCycle, which lets eco-conscious users recycle these packs with some effort.
Quantity and Size
Each standard pack includes 20 white, chiclet-style pieces. These are small, coated pellets—easy to handle, and consistent in shape and size. For someone like me who needs regular relief throughout the day, 20 pieces last about a week. And if you prefer to stock up, you’ll find multi-pack options (like 3-packs and 6-packs) online at a more cost-effective rate.
I also appreciated that the pack is pocket-sized and portable, slipping easily into a bag or even a tight jeans pocket. It made it convenient to keep relief on hand during long meetings or travel.
Ingredients
As someone who’s mindful of what goes into my products, I spent time looking over the ingredient list. This gum is sugar-free and primarily sweetened with Xylitol—a standout ingredient because it both freshens breath and stimulates saliva. That alone made me hopeful about its effectiveness.
It also contains Sorbitol, Maltitol, Sucralose, and Aspartame, along with natural and artificial flavors, and titanium dioxide for coloring. There’s also BHT used as a preservative. I did note the soy content and the Phenylalanine warning for those with PKU, which not everyone may catch at first glance.
Though the packaging says it’s gluten-free, there’s no clear mention of whether it’s vegan, kosher, or non-GMO. And while the gum base isn’t fully disclosed (common in the gum industry), it’s worth mentioning that the base is synthetic, which means it’s not biodegradable and may include microplastics.
Caloric Content
At 10 calories per piece, this gum fits easily into a low-calorie lifestyle. All of the calories come from sugar alcohols, and for people tracking net carbs or on keto diets, the impact is minimal. Chewing one or two pieces a day didn’t cause any change in appetite for me, but it did help curb mindless snacking at times.
Flavor Choices
ACT gum currently comes in Soothing Mint and Bubble Fresh. I started with Soothing Mint and was immediately hit with a strong, clean mint flavor that felt cooling and comforting. It wasn’t just a taste—it also brought on a noticeable feeling of moisture in my mouth within the first couple of minutes.
On a whim, I tried Bubble Fresh, which gave me classic bubblegum vibes from childhood, but with a more mature sweetness and none of the sticky residue. Of the two, I preferred the mint for daily use. However, after chewing either flavor for more than 10 minutes, I occasionally noticed a faint chemical aftertaste.
Texture and Consistency
The gum has a crisp outer shell that cracks open with your first bite—a texture I found satisfying. Once the shell dissolves, the inner gum is smooth, pliable, and cohesive. Unlike some gums that go rubbery or gritty, this one maintains its elasticity well.
Even after several minutes of chewing, it didn’t stick to my teeth or dental work. I’ve had a few fillings and wear a retainer at night, so this kind of texture matters. It does become a little firmer over time, but never to the point of discomfort.
Chewing Experience
The chewing experience is where ACT gum really stands out. Within minutes, my mouth feels noticeably more hydrated. That’s not something I say lightly, as I’ve tried several products that claimed dry mouth relief but only delivered minty air.
There’s also a lasting fresh breath effect, which gave me confidence before meetings or social outings. I haven’t experienced jaw fatigue or any digestive upset, though I’ve read that overconsumption can cause mild bloating due to the sugar alcohols. Just stick to the recommended amount and you should be fine.
For anyone living with Sjögren’s Syndrome or experiencing dry mouth from medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants), this gum can be a real ally. It also helped relieve my occasional scratchy throat and dry lips, which was an unexpected bonus.
Flavor Longevity
The initial flavor hits hard and fast. For the first five minutes, it’s bold and refreshing. After that, it mellows into a light mint or bubblegum essence, depending on the variant. While some users wish the intensity lasted longer, I didn’t mind the softer sweetness that lingered.
Interestingly, I found that drinking water while chewing gave the flavor a second wind. It’s not exactly a flavor revival, but it enhances the fresh sensation. I never found the taste unpleasant, though a few friends have reported the flavor turning slightly “chemical” after 10+ minutes.
Environmental Impact
Environmental concerns are always on my mind. The outer cardboard packaging is easy to recycle, but the blister pack requires extra effort. The brand’s partnership with TerraCycle helps, but realistically, many users may toss it in regular trash.
The synthetic gum base also raises concerns about microplastic pollution. It doesn’t biodegrade, and like all synthetic gums, it contributes to litter that can linger for years. It’s definitely a compromise between health functionality and environmental responsibility.
One critical note: Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. As a dog owner, I’m extra careful to keep the gum out of reach, even if it’s just in my pocket or purse.
Price and Value
Let’s be honest—ACT gum is pricier than your average chewing gum. But considering it targets a medical symptom, I think it earns its keep. At roughly $0.18 to $0.25 per piece, it falls into the same price range as other specialty functional gums, like Biotene.
I usually buy multi-packs online, which brings the cost down a little. Many stores offer discounts or even subscription options. Compared to using a dry mouth rinse every few hours, this gum is a lot more convenient and discreet during the day.
Overall Rating
If you’re dealing with dry mouth on a regular basis, ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum is absolutely worth trying. I give it a confident 4.5 out of 5 stars. It does what it says: it moisturizes the mouth, freshens breath, and tastes good while doing it. The price is fair for what it delivers, and I personally haven’t found another gum that matches its combination of flavor, functionality, and availability.
A bit more transparency about its ingredients and longer-lasting flavor would make it perfect. But even as-is, it’s a standout.
Important Notes
Before incorporating ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum into your daily routine, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if your dry mouth is persistent or related to an underlying medical condition. While the gum can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms, it should not replace professional advice or treatment.
ACT gum is designed primarily for on-the-go symptom relief, and I’ve found it to be especially effective during the day when I can’t use rinses or other products. That said, ACT also offers a Dry Mouth Mouthwash that provides more comprehensive oral coverage and includes fluoride, which helps protect against cavities. Personally, I found using both the rinse in the morning and evening, and the gum throughout the day, worked best for consistent comfort.
It’s also worth being aware of potential side effects, especially if you tend to chew several pieces a day. Because the gum contains sugar alcohols like Sorbitol and Maltitol, excessive consumption can lead to digestive discomfort, including gas or bloating. I haven’t experienced this myself, but I make sure to stay within the recommended use.
Another point to remember is the presence of Xylitol, which, while beneficial for dental health, is extremely toxic to dogs. If you have pets, always store the gum safely and out of their reach.
And finally, while ACT gum is gluten-free, it does contain soy and Phenylalanine, which are important considerations for people with allergies or specific metabolic conditions like PKU.
In the end, this gum has earned a permanent spot in my bag because it simply works. It’s convenient, effective, and backed by a trusted brand. But like with any health-related product, it’s best used as part of a broader dry mouth management plan that includes proper hydration, medical guidance, and complementary products like rinses or lozenges.
