In our journey towards maintaining oral health and achieving fresh breath, the quest for effective products is endless. Among the myriad of choices, chewing gum holds a special place for many of us, particularly those varieties sweetened with xylitol. In a world where added sugars are the archenemies of dental health, contributing to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and unwanted mouth odors, xylitol emerges as a hero. This natural sweetener mirrors sugar’s taste and appearance but comes with fewer calories and a unique benefit. Unlike sugar, xylitol is an ally in our oral health battle, as harmful mouth bacteria cannot digest it. This means, instead of fueling these bacteria, xylitol helps in reducing their numbers significantly.
What sets xylitol apart is its dual action in oral care. Firstly, it combats the bad bacteria responsible for dental woes. Research highlights that xylitol-containing gum can diminish these bacteria levels substantially while sparing beneficial ones. Secondly, it enhances saliva production, which is vital for neutralizing mouth acids and protecting teeth from decay — a reason why dental professionals often recommend it.
Inspired by health experts and driven by personal experiences, I’m thrilled to guide you to my top picks for xylitol chewing gums. These brands have been chosen for their commitment to oral health, relying exclusively on xylitol as the sweetener, ensuring both quality and effectiveness. Whether you’re seeking a gum that battles dry mouth, freshens breath, or simply looking for a healthier chewing option, follow along as we delve into the world of xylitol gum.
1. PUR Aspartame-free Chewing Gum
I recently tried PUR gum and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it became one of my favorite chewing gums. It offers a range of flavors including Cinnamon, Spearmint, and Bubblegum, catering to a wide array of preferences. The flavors start off strong but soon mellow into a gentle, enduring sweetness. Impressively, the gum maintains a subtle flavor even after prolonged chewing.
Brand: The PUR Company
Type: Sugar-free, Aspartame-free, 100% Xylitol
Sweeteners Used: Xylitol
Flavor Source: Natural
Dietary Compliance: Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Keto-friendly, Diabetic-friendly, Nut & Peanut-free
Flavor Options: Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Coolmint, Bubblegum, Cinnamon, Chocolate Mint & Pomegranate Mint
Price: A pack of 55 pieces costs approximately $5
Rating: 8.3/10
The consistency of PUR gum is somewhat firm, a minor trade-off for its high-quality ingredients like xylitol. This aspartame-free option is not only beneficial for dental health but also effectively combats morning breath without becoming sticky over time—a common issue with other sugar-free gums.
For those dealing with chronic dry mouth, like myself, PUR gum provides a welcome respite by alleviating dryness and aiding in oral cleanliness. Moreover, at just 5 calories for every two pieces, it’s an indulgence one can feel good about.
The packaging further enhances the PUR gum experience. It comes in resealable zip-lock bags that ensure the gum stays fresh, each containing a generous 55 pieces. The ability to blow bubbles with just two pieces adds a playful touch to the chewing experience. For enthusiasts eager to explore a range of tastes, PUR also provides a variety pack option, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
2. Spry Sugar-free Chewing Gum with Xylitol
I was first introduced to Spry gum when a friend gifted it to me; I’ve been fond of it since that initial encounter. Each piece boasts 0.72g of xylitol—an ideal amount for my daily chewing needs.
Brand: Spry
Type: Sugar-free, Aspartame-free, ≈100% Xylitol
Sweeteners Used: Xylitol, Stevia
Flavor Source: Natural
Dietary Compliance: Vegan, Non-GMO, Diabetic-friendly, Gluten-free, Keto-friendly
Flavor Options: Peppermint, Spearmint, Cinnamon, Wintergreen, Bubble Gum, Fresh Fruit, Licorice, Green Tea
Price: A pack of 100 pieces costs approximately $9
Rating: 7.5/10
The gum is recognizable by its stark white color and boasts a somewhat firmer texture than other brands, like PUR. Its flavor is subtler compared to the intensity of Orbit, yet remains pleasant to the palette. Unfortunately, the flavor’s delight is fleeting, lasting just about 10 minutes before the gum hardens. But this isn’t without its perks—it provides a rigorous workout for your jaw and won’t cling to dentures, if that’s a concern. It’s also exceptionally suited for those who enjoy blowing bubbles.
Spry offers an array of flavors, ranging from Spearmint to Green Tea. Of the selection, Fresh Fruit has captured my favor with its delightful taste, while their Licorice flavor authentically mirrors the taste of licorice candy. Each piece is a low-calorie treat with just 1.7 calories and is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
You can find Spry gum in packs as small as 10 pieces or as large as 550. My personal choice is the 55-count, although its availability in local stores can be hit or miss. On the upside, the larger packs come in reusable and recyclable jar containers—an economical choice that’s also eco-friendly.
I’ve found keeping Spry gum handy in my purse indispensable for combating dry mouth or freshening breath on the move. For those dealing with Sjögren’s syndrome or general dry mouth, Spry gum could be incredibly beneficial as it stimulates saliva production. If you’re curious, it might just be worth sampling to see if it suits your needs.
3. Epic Sugar-free Chewing Gum with Xylitol
I recently tried Epic xylitol chewing gum to compare it with other brands in the market. Each piece resembles the structure and size of Chiclets, featuring a crunchy outer coating.
Brand: Epic Dental
Type: Sugar-free, Aspartame-free, 100% Xylitol
Sweeteners Used: Xylitol
Flavor Source: Natural
Dietary Compliance: Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-free, Diabetic-friendly, Keto-friendly
Flavor Options: Spearmint, Bubble Gum, Fresh Fruit, Cinnamon, Wintergreen, Peppermint, and Orange-Mango
Price: A bottle of 50 pieces costs approximately $6
Rating: 7.5/10
This brand boasts a variety of flavors such as Peppermint, Bubblegum, Cinnamon, Fresh Fruit, Orange-mango, Spearmint, and Wintergreen. The Peppermint, in particular, was delightfully flavorful, although the taste diminished quicker than I’d like. While it’s not as intense as some gums, the flavor still makes for a pleasant chewing experience.
A significant advantage for me was that the gum didn’t adhere to my dentures. However, it did lose its cohesion after about half an hour of chewing, but it remained soft and comfortable to chew.
Epic gum comes in convenient pack sizes of 12, 50, 500, and 1000 pieces, catering to various consumption needs. The 1000-piece bag offers lasting supply and great value. At 1.5g per piece, with 1.06g of xylitol, it’s ensured that the sweetening is entirely through xylitol. I often chew this gum post-meal or after enjoying a sugary treat to aid in cleaning my teeth and support oral health.
4. Zellie’s Dental Gum with Xylitol
Upon discovering Dr. Ellie Phillips and her enlightening book, “Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye: A Do-it-yourself Mouth Care System for Healthy, Clean Gums, and Teeth,” I became intrigued by the oral health benefits of xylitol. This led me to try Zellie’s Dental Gum, a creation of Dr. Phillips herself, and it has since revolutionized my post-meal routine. Chewing this gum leaves my mouth feeling clean and refreshed!
Brand: Zellie’s
Type: Sugar-free, Aspartame-free, 100% Xylitol
Sweeteners Used: Xylitol
Flavor Source: Natural
Dietary Compliance: Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher, Diabetic-friendly, Gluten-free, Keto-friendly, Dairy-free
Flavor Options: Spearmint, Fresh Fruit, Cinnamon & Peppermint
Price: A bottle of 100 pieces costs approximately $14
Rating: 7.4/10
I eagerly sampled the Cinnamon flavor of Zellie’s gum, which delivered an accurate and pleasing taste. The initial zest gives way to a gentler, lingering flavor. Then I sampled the Peppermint variety—its intensity was akin to an Altoids experience. The Spearmint, however, missed the mark for me, being a touch too sweet and feeble in flavor. Dr. Phillips recommends chewing the gum only until the taste fades, generally within one to two minutes, to optimize benefits.
The consistency of Zellie’s gum strikes the perfect balance between firmness and pliability, and it retains this ideal texture well during chewing. What’s more, I’ve noticed a delightfully sweet and faintly fruity aftertaste when hydrating post-chew.
Each piece of Zellie’s gum contains 1 gram of xylitol. Dr. Phillips’s daily recommendation for effective oral health results is five pieces, making the daily intake straightforward to manage. You can purchase Zellie’s gum in either a 100-piece bottle or a 240-piece resealable bag, as well as in variety packs. Although I found the resealable bag somewhat troublesome to close, the product is commendably free from artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, and proudly made in the USA.
While Zellie’s gum is priced a tad above average, I consider it a worthy investment in dental health, particularly as it’s one of the rare finds that does not contain glycerine. The benefits it offers justify the cost, making it a valuable addition to my daily dental care regimen.
5. Xylichew Sugar-free Gum with Xylitol
Wrapping up this review, Xylichew stands out as a premium gum brand, boasting a preservative-free base and xylitol sourced from birch trees. Its high xylitol content (1g per 1.3g serving) not only promotes dental health but also maintains stable blood sugar levels—an ideal choice for the health-conscious.
Brand: Xylichew
Type: Sugar-free, Aspartame-free, 100% Xylitol
Sweeteners Used: Xylitol
Flavor Source: Natural
Dietary Compliance: Non-GMO, Keto-friendly, Kosher, Gluten-free, Diabetic-friendly
Flavor Options: Spearmint, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Ice Mint, Pomegranate Raspberry, Natural Fruit & Black Licorice
Price: A pack of 50 pieces costs approximately $10
Rating: 7.3/10
Upon my first encounter with the gum, its appealing aroma instantly caught my attention, complemented by a satisfying taste. Despite wishing for larger pieces, the white gum nuggets are flavor-packed. Nonetheless, I did notice the flavor diminishes more swiftly than desired, a common drawback among xylitol gums. Even with this shortcoming, Xylichew surpasses others like Lotte in lasting appeal.
A particular benefit I’ve found with Xylichew is its effectiveness in alleviating dry mouth during physical activity, thanks to its enduring softness throughout prolonged chewing.
The brand offers an array of seven enticing flavors—Spearmint, Ice Mint, Raspberry, Natural Fruit, Black Licorice, Cinnamon, and Peppermint—with Natural Fruit being my top pick for its reminiscent taste of Juicy Fruit gum.
Available in multiple package sizes, ranging from 12 to 500 pieces, I opted for the 50-pack bag. Not only does it seamlessly fit into my gym kit, but its robust zip closure also adds an element of convenience. Each piece contains merely 1 gram of carbohydrates, offering a guiltless pleasure for those mindful of their carb consumption.
Proudly made in the USA, Xylichew is reasonably priced, especially for a xylitol-based gum. If you’re in the market for a sugar-free gum that eschews synthetic sweeteners, Xylichew is an obvious choice.
Final Thoughts
That concludes my guide to the top xylitol chewing gums for freshening your breath and maintaining optimal dental health. Each brand I’ve recommended sweetens its gum solely with xylitol, making them superior choices for bolstering your oral health regimen.
However, there are some important considerations before you start using xylitol gum regularly. It’s derived from sugar alcohols, which can lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating, when ingested in high amounts. To avoid this, keep your xylitol intake below the recommended threshold of around 30 grams per day, with no more than 10 grams in a single sitting as advised by most manufacturers.
Moreover, take note that while xylitol is safe for human consumption, it poses a severe risk to dogs due to their distinct metabolic pathways. Be vigilant and store your xylitol gum out of your pet’s reach, and if they happen to consume any, get in touch with your veterinarian promptly.