Gum and Mints: Confections Nutritional Value | The Hershey Company

Sugar Free Chewing Gum and Oral Health

Chewing gum has been around in various forms since the times of the Greeks and Mayans. Today, it is a popular snack choice. Chewing gum typically contains a gum base, sweeteners such as sugar, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and aspartame, softeners like glycerin or other vegetable oil products, flavorings, and colorings.

Dental cavities or tooth decay is caused by many factors, some of which include tooth mineral content, plaque quantity and quality, saliva quality and quantity, individual responses, types of foods consumed, frequency of food consumption, and presence of acid-producing oral bacteria. Among these various factors, there is a strong relationship between consumption of sugars and starches and tooth decay. The more frequent and longer the exposure of teeth to dietary sugars and starches, the greater the risk for tooth decay.

Studies show that there are beneficial effects of chewing sugar free gum after eating. Commonly used sweeteners in sugar free gum include sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, and other sugar alcohols. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes that these sweeteners do not contribute to the development of dental cavities. As a result, FDA allows sugar free chewing gum and other sugar free products made with these types of sweeteners to be labeled with a health claim such as “may reduce the risk of tooth decay.”

Chewing gum has another benefit – it stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva has three main functions when it comes to maintaining good oral health. First, the water contained in saliva dilutes and clears away food debris and microorganisms in the oral cavity. Saliva also contains bicarbonate which neutralizes and buffers plaque acids. Finally, the calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyl ions found in saliva assist in the remineralization of teeth. Chewing sugar free gum after eating can be an important part of maintaining good oral health. Both the American Dental Association and the FDI World Dental Federation have recognized the role of sugar-free gum in helping to prevent dental caries.

While chewing sugar free gum does not replace brushing teeth, the combination of the two can decrease the development of cavities and help maintain good oral health.

Chewing Gum & Appetite

Chewing gum may also aid in controlling appetite, decreasing calorie intake, and reducing snack cravings. In one study in which participants ate salty or sweet snacks after chewing gum, chewing gum was effective in suppressing the appetite while also decreasing cravings for sweets and reducing overall snack intake.¹ The study also found individuals who chewed gum ate fewer calories than those who did not chew gum.

¹Hetherington, M. M., Boyland, E. (2006). Short-term effects of chewing gum on snack intake and appetite. Appetite, 48, 397-401.

Xylitol

Xylitol occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables. It is used as a sweetener in sugar free and reduced sugar foods including chewing gum and candy. ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES chewing gum contains xylitol.

Numerous studies suggest that inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, bacteria commonly found in the oral cavity. These bacteria are not able to use xylitol as an energy source as they do with sugar, starch and other fermentable carbohydrate sources. As a result, the ability of the bacteria to stick to teeth is reduced and, consequently, there is less plaque buildup.²

Xylitol and Your Pet

Xylitol-containing foods may be harmful for your pet. It is best to keep such foods well out of the reach of inquisitive pets. Xylitol causes insulin release in animals, which leads to hypoglycemia, depression, vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure have also been associated with some cases of xylitol consumption. If you suspect your pet has eaten a xylitol-containing product, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian.

Read More at > Pets and Candy

²Milgrom, P., Ly, K. A., Roberts, M. C., et al. (2006). Mutans streptococci dose response to xylitol chewing gum. Journal of Dental Research, 85(2), 177-181.

Neutrazin

For 30 years, consumers have relied on BREATH SAVERS Mints for fresh breath and great, sugar-free taste. BREATH SAVERS Mints contain NEUTRAZIN, a special blend of ingredients clinically proven to neutralize bad breath rather than simply cover it up.

In 2005, Hershey introduced BREATH SAVERS 3-Hour Breath Mints. These mints are specially formulated with NEUTRAZIN and sodium bicarbonate to fight intrinsic bad breath for up to three hours.