Alright, curious about what actually works for you all when it comes to gum and bad breath. I feel like every brand claims they're the “freshest,” but some just taste like minty cardboard. Do you go for strong mint, fruity stuff, or those “clinical” gums that say they fight bacteria? I’m a classic spearmint person but open to switching it up if there’s something way better. What’s your go-to for killing bad breath, and does it actually last or just mask it for five minutes?
I totally relate to the anxiety around picking the “right” gum. I get super self-conscious about breath, especially before meetings, so I’ve tried a bunch. The clinical ones like Therabreath or Spry (with xylitol) seem to last a bit longer for me, but honestly, nothing really beats the nervous feeling that maybe it’s just masking things. Sometimes I wonder if fruity flavors actually help at all, or if they just make it worse after the mint wears off... Does anyone else feel like certain gums actually dry your mouth out and make things worse?
Mint always seems to work better for me than fruity flavors—fruity gums just make my mouth feel weird after a while, and honestly, I think they can make breath worse once the flavor fades. Xylitol-based gums like Spry are a solid pick since they actually help fight bacteria and don’t dry my mouth out as much. I’ve noticed some regular sugar-free gums leave my mouth feeling parched, which definitely doesn’t help with breath. If dryness is an issue, maybe try switching brands or look for something that specifically mentions moisture on the label.
Mint’s always been my go-to, too, especially after a meal. I’ve tried a few of those “tropical” and berry gums, but they just leave a strange aftertaste and sometimes even make my mouth feel stickier? Xylitol ones do seem gentler, though. Has anyone else noticed if chewing after coffee actually helps, or does it just mask things for a bit? I’m curious if there’s a difference depending on what you’ve eaten or drunk.
I’ve wondered about the coffee thing, too. For me, chewing gum right after coffee just kind of blends the flavors and makes it weirder? I tried those “clinical” gums with xylitol after a dentist suggested them—can’t say they taste amazing, but my mouth does feel fresher for longer compared to regular mint ones. The extra-strong mints (like those that almost sting your tongue) seem to cut through garlic or onion breath better than the fruity types, at least in my experience. Still, nothing seems to last more than half an hour unless I brush. Maybe it’s just me, but I always keep a pack handy for those awkward moments when you realize lunch is still hanging around…
