My Honest Review of Zellie’s Dental Gum (Sweetened with Xylitol)

As a keen follower of all things health and particularly oral hygiene, stumbling upon Dr. Ellie Phillips’s book “Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye: A Do-it-yourself Mouth Care System for Healthy, Clean Gums, and Teeth” was akin to discovering a treasure chest. Her advocacy for xylitol and its myriad benefits for oral health piqued my interest, compelling me to try out Zellie’s Dental Gum. The following is my fair and unfiltered take on this gum, based on personal experience.

Packaging

One of the standout features of Zellie’s Dental Gum is its packaging. It arrives in a plastic bottle containing 100 pieces, which not only serves its purpose but also looks good doing so. The bottle comes securely sealed, ensuring that the gum reaches you in perfect condition. I particularly appreciate the bottle’s design – it’s not only handy and excellent for on-the-go use, but also refillable.

Zellie’s offers economical refill pouches, which facilitates topping up your bottle. This approach aligns with my desire to minimize packaging waste. You can choose from various pouch formats: a pouch containing 240 pieces, a bulk bag with 600 pieces for those who can’t get enough, and a smaller resealable pouch of 18 pieces — perfect for those wanting to sample the product.

Quantity and Size

Zellie’s gum is presented in various pack sizes – 18, 100, 240, and 600 pieces, catering to different needs and preferences. However, my experience with the 240-piece resealable package was slightly marred by its inability to close properly, which could be a drawback for some. The gum pieces themselves are modest in size, each weighing 1.35 grams, which perhaps contributes to their shorter duration of chew. While I appreciate the rationale behind the small size, a part of me wishes for larger pieces to prolong the pleasure.

Ingredients

A pivotal aspect of Zellie’s gum is its composition. Each gum piece delivers 1 gram of xylitol, fitting Dr. Ellie’s recommendation of chewing five pieces daily for optimal results. Free from artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, it’s a relief to find a gum made in the USA that aligns with health-conscious demands. Additionally, it does not contain glycerine, a common ingredient in many other gums, which sets it apart. While it is produced in a facility that processes soy, the gum itself is devoid of any soy ingredients. It proudly announces its vegan status on the label and is sourced from hardwood trees, ensuring a natural and ethical product. Its kosher certification and absence of aspartame only add to its appeal. Listed ingredients include:

Caloric Content

For those watching their calorie intake, Zellie’s Dental Gum presents a guilt-free option. At just 2.6 calories per piece and totaling 1 gram of carbs, it’s a sensible choice for anyone mindful of their sugar consumption. This low-caloric content doesn’t compromise the gum’s flavor or effectiveness, making it an attractive option for the health-conscious gum enthusiast.

Flavor Choices

Zellie’s offers a palette of four flavors:

Each flavor has its unique profile, with the Cinnamon offering an initial spicy kick that quickly mellows to a pleasing taste. The Peppermint is robust, mimicking the punchy freshness of Altoids, while the Spearmint, although slightly on the sweeter side, could do with a bit more intensity. The Fresh Fruit flavor is reminiscent of Juicy Fruit gum, likely to appeal to those seeking a nostalgic chew. Despite the variations in personal preference, each flavor seems to have been crafted with careful consideration, though the intensity and longevity of these flavors can vary.

Texture and Consistency

The chewing experience of Zellie’s gum strikes a perfect balance between soft and firm, ensuring it’s neither too tough on the jaws nor too quick to disintegrate. This fine balance is maintained throughout the chewing duration, allowing for a sustained and enjoyable experience. However, it’s worth noting that if the gum is left idle for an extended period or if consumed right after a hot beverage, it might lose its integrity, turning less appealing in texture. Interestingly, after chewing, taking a sip of water can reveal a lingering sweet and subtly fruity aftertaste, which was a delightful discovery.

Chewing Experience

As someone who favors two pieces of gum at a time, occasionally indulging in a third, my experience with Zellie’s was predominantly positive. The habit of chewing gum after meals has become a ritual for me, primarily for the fresh and clean sensation it leaves behind, and Zellie’s fits right into this routine. It offers a degree of pleasantness in taste that not only cleanses the palate but also satisfies my sweet cravings subtly. Its effectiveness extends beyond just freshening the breath; it feels like a proactive step towards maintaining dental health, which, given its origins, is hardly surprising. Persons with Sjögren’s syndrome or those who generally suffer from a dry mouth might find its moisture-inducing properties particularly beneficial. However, those with dentures may wish to proceed with caution due to its tendency to stick.

Flavor Longevity

While the initial burst of flavor is both intense and delightful, it is ephemeral. The gum transitions into a soft chew post the initial flavor rush, maintaining a mild taste but losing its pronounced flavor relatively quickly. I found that the exciting burst of taste lasted about half an hour before mellowing out, which, while enjoyable, left me wanting more in terms of flavor longevity.

Environmental Impact

The environmental aspect of Zellie’s packaging presents a mixed bag. While the bottle versions of the gum are reusable and thus, a step towards sustainable consumption, the plastic pouches significantly detract from this effort. The pouches are not biodegradable, and the unknown composition of the gum base raises further questions about its environmental impact. It’s a factor worth considering for those trying to make eco-friendly choices.

Price and Value

On the discussion of affordability, Zellie’s Dental Gum does lean towards the pricier side. The 100-count jar sits at around $14, which might seem steep compared to conventional gums. Despite the absence of discounts for subscriptions and the necessity of a significant investment for free shipping, the bulk purchase options do offer some financial reprieve. When considering the gum’s quality, its oral health benefits, and its ingredient list free from undesirable additives, the price can be justified as a worthy investment for those prioritizing dental health and natural ingredients.

Overall Rating

Concluding thoughts on Zellie’s Dental Gum are largely positive. The educational content provided by Dr. Ellie Phillips greatly complements the product, offering insight into the benefits of xylitol and proper oral health care. There’s a definite appeal in the product’s utility, from combating dry mouth to potentially aiding in dental health maintenance. That said, improvements in terms of flavor longevity, piece size, and environmental considerations of the packaging could elevate the product further.

I remain cautious around pets, given the harm xylitol can cause to dogs, and encourage proper disposal of gum to avoid accidents. For those in pursuit of a dental gum that ticks off boxes for natural ingredients, effectiveness, and oral health benefits, Zellie’s Dental Gum is a commendable choice. It is more than just gum; it’s a step towards a healthier, sweeter smile.